Carlos Magalhaes Fernandes Moca

April 7, 1948 - April 28, 2024

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown

639 North Main Steet

Greenville, SC 29601

Friday 5/3, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1002 South Main Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29601

864-235-5884 |

Saturday 5/4, 10:30 am

Carlos Magalhaes Fernandes Moça, was born on April 7, 1948, in Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil, and passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2024. He was the son of Carlos and Emilia and the oldest of five. Carlos studied civil engineering at the Universidade Federal de Espirito Santo and came to the United States to get his master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of South Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Katherine (“Kathy”) Helene Vanderwerff.

Carlos lived with Kathy for a few years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and then moved to Greenville in 1976. He was dedicated to his community, including volunteering at the YMCA, Gower Pool, St. Mary’s School, and JL Mann High School. He enjoyed a successful career as an engineer at Jacobs Engineering and made many close friends there. He was a patient soccer and basketball coach, and an avid sports fan, with undying loyalty to Gamecocks football, the Brazilian national soccer team, and his soccer club of Vasco da Gama. He was also an athlete himself, enjoying the games of golf and tennis with his friends and family.

He was devoted to his Brazilian and American families. He valued hard work and never met a stranger. He was both a teacher and a lifelong learner. He was proud of his adopted homeland, a true patriot who built his own American Dream. He often spoke of his tremendous gratitude for those who made him feel welcome when he first arrived in the United States. He embraced the best of southern culture, especially the music, the food and southern hospitality.

Carlos always exuded gratitude for the life he had. He loved traveling with his family, celebrating with friends, the challenges of his career, house projects and yard work, and teaching his kids valuable life lessons. He was a man of humility, joy, and dedication, and he will be missed dearly by all who were fortunate to know him.

Carlos is survived by his wife, Kathy, his three children, Anna (Frank Randazzo), Emilie (Brian Whitaker), and Steven (Anna Belle “Boo” Kibler), his five grandchildren, Olivia Randazzo, Mia Randazzo, Virginia Whitaker, Henry Moça, and William Moça, and his siblings Fatima (Mike Fusz), Henrique (Jane), Jose (Maria Helena), and Virginia (Renato Casagrande), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Emilia, and father, Carlos.

His family would also like to mention our gratitude to the wonderful people of Agape Hospice who guided us through this difficult time.

Carlos’s family will receive friends at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Burial Office will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church with Committal immediately following at the church’s columbarium.

Carlos was a lifelong enjoyer and supporter of Greenville’s beautiful public parks. If you would like to make a memorial donation to Unity Park in Greenville, please visit https://unityparkgreenville.com/1869/Donate

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Carlos with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown

639 North Main Steet

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Friday 5/3, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1002 South Main Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29601

864-235-5884 | Map

Saturday 5/4, 10:30 am

Tribute Video

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Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Beautiful obituary. I just found out about this and am heartbroken too. With Anna as my best childhood friend from the age of two, I always wanted to be at the Moca house. It wasn’t just for Anna though, I enjoyed spending time with their family. I felt somewhat adopted and found joy when Carlos would engage me and his children in meaningful conversation daily. He had a passion for making sure his children were kind, smart and hard working people. You could not mistake his love for them and especially Kathy. Theirs was a beautiful romance. The Mocas were my family too. Carlos’ smile and enthusiasm will be missed. He gave more to this world than he took. The trip we took around the countryside of France when I graduated from Clemson is a memory that I cherish. Sending my love always, Jenny

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Carlos Moca . Plant a Tree

I met Carlos on my first day at the office. He invited me for dinner that week and I had a chance to meet his wife Kathy, pretty amazing as well. When I met them, I knew they would have a lasting impact on our lives. About 30 years later, we are very fortunate to be close friends with Carlos and Kathy. What words can I use to describe Carlos.... Great person to be around with, always joking with lots of great stories. Loves any sport, especially the "jogo bonito", loves Brazilian and Portuguese music, and he is a pretty good singer. We are blessed to have known Carlos. We will truly miss him. Sylvia and Jazz

Querido irmão, Estamos aqui tão longe e tão perto …te vejo no amanhecer de um lindo dia ,no entardecer e no anoitecer…o céu com dias e noites tão bonitos recebem você …Deus nosso Pai e nossos pais te recebem de braços abertos!Vá em Paz na certeza da Vida Eterna .Te amamos muito seus sobrinhos, cunhado e irmã Virgínia Fernandes Moça Casagrande🙏♥️🙏

A tree to celebrate the life of Carlos Moca

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Carlos Moca . Plant a Tree

Comfort Planter was purchased for the family of Carlos Moca by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Steven Moca & family, Carlos touched so many lives in the very best way. His legacy lives on in his beautiful family & he will be missed greatly.

Loving Light Dishgarden was purchased for the family of Carlos Moca by Michael, Jen, Ella & Cameron Terlizzi. Send Flowers

Dear Kathy, Anna, Emilie, Steven & the entire Moca Family, All of the Waldrop family is so very sorry, to learn about the loss of Carlos. We know all of you & your entire family will miss him dearly. We certainly remember all of the happy memories of our times with Carlos & how friendly he was over all the years at St. Mary’s & in Gower. Sending love, special thoughts, prayers & heartfelt sympathy to all of you now & in the days/weeks to come. May God's abundant love, grace, mercy & blessings surround all of you now & always. May all the treasured memories & very special times together, Carlos leaves behind for all of you to cherish forever, fill your hearts, bring you comfort & give you peace. ❤️✝️🙏

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Hold on to the happy memories. With Love, Sal, Trish, Nicole and Michelle

Rays Of Solace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Carlos Moca by Anonymous. Send Flowers

With our deepest and heartfelt condolences.

Morning Stars Arrangement was purchased for the family of Carlos Moca by Natalie and the Scovel Family. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Carlos Moca

Our deepest sympathy and condolences 🙏. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be eternal.

We love you, Carlos! You will be missed.

Loving Sympathy Basket was purchased for the family of Carlos Moca by The Randazzos. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Carlos Moca

Anna & Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Morning Stars Arrangement was purchased for the family of Carlos Moca by Cooley - New York. Send Flowers

I worked with Carlos at Jacobs and remember him as being a super nice guy with a great laugh. I am sure he will be missed by all that knew him.

Kathy, Our sincere sympathy and love to you and your family. Carlos was truly a humble, caring, and sweet “Southern” gentleman. We are honored to have had him as our loving friend. We cherish the wonderful memories of our special, fun times together. We love you, Debbie and John

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I met Kathy in the early 2000's. We developed a friendship that has endured to this day. Soon after meeting Kathy, I also met Carlos who kept many conversations light and spirited! His laugh was infectious and there was NEVER a dull moment. One fun memory, Kathy invited me to Seabrook Island for the weekend, she was already enjoying the island and asked if I would bring Carlos. I picked him up on a Friday afternoon and we "eased on down the road" to Seabrook Island. The conversation never waned, we laughed for the whole trip and continued the festive behavior until it was time to return to Greenville on Sunday. I feel very honored to have known and enjoyed Carlos for over 20 years. What a doll! Thank you, Carlos!

Meus sinceros sentimentos aos familiares.

Jaime and myself are distraught hearing about your passing. You are the youngest have should have given us priority. But the memories of the Little Yellow House in South Edisto will live forever. And maybe from up there you can provide some help for the Selecao. Giovanni and Jaime PS: My back still hurting from the effort of clearing the backyard for your wedding reception!

Carlos was: family, a friend and my favorite outlaw. He was always kind, accepting and fun to be around. I loved his humor and his joy for life. He adored his Kath! His children and grandchildren were his joy. I will miss you my friend! Love you, Irene

Four words come to mind when I think of Carlos: gracious, friendly, generous, and funny. I wish we had gotten to know him better. Kathy, Anna, Emilie, and Steven---I'm sure you know you were fortunate to have Carlos, but he was also very fortunate to have you. What a wonderful family life you shared.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.