Nicklous “Nick” Cabral
Nicklous Pina Cabral
March 2, 1940-February 5, 2024
Lifelong Resident of Alameda, California
We are sad to announce the peaceful passing of Alameda legend, Nick Cabral, in San Leandro California. Nick was born and raised in Alameda, California. Fondly referred to as “Big Nick”,” Uncle Nick” and “The Mayor of the West End.” Son of Emily and Christon Cabral. Loving brother of Tommy and Albert, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his adored wife, Joyce, and his beloved daughter, Wendy. Nick is survived by his granddaughter, Jayla Velasquez, great grandson, Daniel James, and his sisters-in-law, Julie Gonsalves and Anna Gonsalves. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and close friends whom he considered his extended family.
He was extremely proud of his Cape Verdean Heritage and by the hard-working men and women in his neighborhood who worked long hours at the Del Monte canneries in Alameda and across the bridge in Oakland. As they walked home across the bridge with their meager earnings in their pockets, the name Jingletown was born. Their work ethic was instilled in him as he worked two jobs past his retirement. Mostly working in construction, he retired after many years as a labor foreman at Dinwiddie Construction. He had a second career as an usher at the Oakland Coliseum and Arena (which he helped to build). He also worked at the Alameda Theatre as a ticket taker. He was a man about town, who was known to gallivant from one Alameda event to another, greeting everyone with his infectious smile and witty banter.
As a founding member of the Alameda Boys Club, he found a mentor in the recently departed, Joe King, who exposed Nick to many experiences beyond his tightly knit neighborhood. At the Club, Nick learned leadership skills, civic responsibility, and a strong distaste for camping and outdoor pursuits! He used his learned leadership skills to serve Alameda well. As a member of the Alameda Jaycees, he took his very first airplane ride to attend a convention in San Diego. He served on the city’s Social Service and Human Relations board. In 2006, he was the Alameda Citizen of the Year and was Grand Marshall of the Mayor’s 4th of July Parade. A proud Encinal High School graduate, Nick was inducted into the Encinal High School Civic Hall of Fame. Nick continued his EHS friendships through Alumni monthly breakfast meetings and the Old Alamedans Annual Luncheon. Through the years, Nick would bring joy to large Memorial Day picnic gatherings at Washington Park. He would join friends for food and conversation at Doggie Diner. He conducted late night get togethers at Nation’s Hamburgers, and Starbucks on Webster Street was another one of his favorite social stops where he made new friends amongst the old.
Most importantly, Nick served as a mentor to many young people, many who considered him a father figure. Hundreds of youths were welcomed into the Cabral home by Nick and Joyce. As Nick held court they would listen to his colorful words and stories of past times and amusing philosophical comments. The message was clear- Get your education, work hard, make a difference and listen to your parents! If you messed up, he wasn’t afraid to chastise you in no uncertain terms. While the kids sat for hours, laughing and/or crying, his ever-patient wife, Joyce served up gallons of highly sugared Kool Aid and occasional popcorn. Always a movie buff, in later years he also took a huge interest in live musical theatre. During his three trips to New York City, he attended 2-3 plays per visit and continued to enjoy them in San Francisco, up until this past Christmas Eve when he attended The Lion King, at the Orpheum Theater.
During the last two years, Nick lived at the Carlton Senior Living Residence in San Leandro, where he had a new built-in audience. His new friends reveled in hearing his jokes and stories in the style all his own. The other residents and staff truly appreciated having Nick as their daily dose of humor and sunshine and will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace; In his own words, Nick’s Playbill is, and shall remain, “The Best is Yet to Come”.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Viewing and Visitation Thursday, February 29, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm, Rosary, Vigil Service at 4:00pm at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut Street, Alameda, CA. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, March 1, 2024, at 11:30am at St. Joseph Basilica, Alameda. Rite of Christian Burial, Saturday March 2, 2024, at 10:00am at St. Joseph Cemetery, 2540 Church Lane, San Pablo, CA
In lieu of flowers, Nick has requested that donations be made in his name to the following organizations: Alameda Boys and Girls Club, Encinal High School Drama Club, West Coast Dance Theatre. For further information call; Harry Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745).