Joseph L Cardoza

Joseph Louis Cardoza 1931 – 2025 Joseph Louis Cardoza, 94, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, in San Luis Obispo, California. Born in San Luis Obispo to Portuguese immigrant parents, he was a long time resident of the Central Coast. Joe graduated from Mission High School in 1950, where he served as Senior Class President and excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Navy, completing his service in 1954. In 1956, Joe married the love of his life, Mary “Louise” Gomes, after first seeing her during his downtown rounds for Rizzoli’s while working for the San Luis Garbage Company. Together, they built a life marked by dedication and entrepreneurship. Their work took them from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria, where they operated a dairy business, and then to San Jose to run a trucking company. Joe later returned to San Luis Obispo, becoming a realtor and eventually founding Cardoza Realty. He also built several homes, beginning with one constructed in the late 1960s on a portion of his parents’ ranch. Joe cherished time spent with family, especially with Louise along local beaches, lakes, and on travels—including memorable trips to the Azores, homeland of his parents. He was an avid outdoorsman, pursuing big-game hunting throughout the Mountain West into his eighties and enjoying fishing along the Pacific Coast and the Gulf of California. Known for his hospitality, he delighted in sharing his signature barbecue, smoked fish, and homemade canned goods with loved ones. Joe was a proud member of the Portuguese Holy Spirit Society – Trinity Hall in San Luis Obispo, honoring the heritage that contributed to the region’s early agricultural development. He was a lifelong Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1271, at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, as well as a member of American Legion Post 66. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Louise; his children Ed (Nancy), Joe, Cathy Lee, and Julie (Chip) Hastings; nine grandchildren Ryann, Emily, Alison, Katie, Clare, Shelly, Joey, Will, and Zachary; and four great grandchildren- Isla, Anthony, Simon, and Henry, were a source of great pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio V. and Barbara Lucas Cardoza; brothers Manuel, Anthony, and Alfred; and sisters Marguerite Pearson and Mary Cardoza. A Memorial Service will be held on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, with refreshments to follow in the Parish Hall. A private graveside interment will take place at the Old Mission Cemetery on land originally donated by Joe’s parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PHSS – Trinity Hall SLO.

Joseph L Cardoza

May 6, 1931 - December 8, 2025