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Stephen Arlindo Cardoso
Dec. 15,1984 Dec. 24, 2009
Photo-Cardoso
Stephen “Stevie” Cardoso was born Dec. 15, 1984 in Merced to proud parents, Manuel and Jennie Cardoso. He died in a tragic car accident at 9:40 a.m. on Dec. 24, at the tender age of 25.
He is survived by his parents, Manuel and Genoveva “Jennie” Cardoso of Merced; sister, Lesa (Cardoso) Gibbs of Visalia; brother-in-law, Michael Gibbs of Visalia; nephew, Zackery Cardoso Gibbs of Visalia; niece, Emma Genoveva Gibbs of Visalia; Godparents, Rosa and Kenny Correia and Maria Caetano of Merced; 48 first cousins; 29 second cousins; and hundreds of friends.  Stephen lived his life to the fullest and loved to spend time with his family and friends. He loved going to Pismo Beach with his friends. He loved all types of music and danced for several folkloric groups, including S.E.S. Stephen was a member of S.E.S. Council 52 of Merced and a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church of Merced. He enjoyed racing quads, snowboarding, wake boarding at the lake, hunting and playing basketball with his friends. During the last week of his life he had gone to his nephew Zackery’s Christmas play, taking his niece Emma on their “date” to take pictures with Santa Claus, went Christmas shopping with his mother Jennie and played basketball with his cousins and friends on Christmas Eve.  Steve will always be in all of our hearts and his saying says it best, “go big or go home.”
We know that you are home in heaven looking down upon us with that beautiful smile and filling our hearts with love. It is a tragedy that two lives were lost on Christmas Eve and instead of celebrating the holidays, both families are burying loved ones. We would like to express our deepest sorrow and pray that each family may find peace at this very difficult time.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Stratford Evans Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced. A rosary/mass combined will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 671 East Yosemite Ave., Merced. Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 260 West Childs Ave., Merced.
Services under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service.