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Leonardo C. Tereso Veteran
April 08, 2021

Obituary

Leonardo Coelho Tereso, age 75, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. Leonardo was born on December 26, 1945 in Redondas, Turquel in Portugal. His parents, the late Francisco Tereso Nogueria and Maria (Ferreira) Nogueira, immigrated to the United States in 1968, but Leonardo remained in Portugal to serve as a chef in the Portuguese Army, which sparked his love of cooking. He joined his family in the United States in 1970, at the age of 24. He had a strong work ethic, working in construction and as a truck driver before retiring as a forklift operator from Carando Foods. Leonardo was a lifelong member of the Chicopee Portuguese American Club and served on its board of directors, where he helped drive the club’s expansion into what it is today. He also volunteered there as a cook for over 10 years, serving traditional Portuguese lunches and dinners. He was a communicant of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Assumption Church.

Leonardo was known for his cheerful optimism, can-do attitude, and deep love for his family. He was a craft winemaker and gardener who enjoyed spending his summers in Portugal. He had a passion for his Benfica soccer team and chopping logs to keep his wall of firewood stacked tall and his fireplace ablaze. Leonardo was a great friend and caring grandfather who treasured the opportunity to welcome family and friends into his home to enjoy his excellent cooking and homemade wine.

Leonardo is survived by his loving wife Zita (Gonçalves) Tereso of Chicopee; his daughter, Sally Louro, and her husband Carlos of Windsor, CT; his son, Nelson Tereso, and his wife Nicole of Ludlow; four brothers, Jose Ferreira, Manuel Nogueira, Isaias Nogueira, and Martinho Nogueira; four sisters, Rosalina Tereso, Maria Tereso, Zita Rodrigo, and Cremilde Murca; four grandchildren, Jason, Sabrina, Landen, and Lina, and dozens of nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Portugal. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Assumption Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org/gift) For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.

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Grisé Funeral Home
280 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
413-594-4189