Carlos Farinhas

Carlos de Oliveira Farinhas was born in Murtosa, Portugal, on March 16, 1938, to Carlos da Silva Farinhas and Ana Henrique de Oliveira. From a young age, he understood the true value of hard work and sacrifice, beginning his professional life at just 12 years old at a local bakery in his hometown. In 1953, at age 15, he emigrated to Venezuela, where he spent three years working in construction. By 1956, he relocated with his family to the United States, settling in Newark, New Jersey. To build a foundation for his new life, he attended night classes at Lafayette School to learn English, a pivotal step that ensured his successful integration and professional development within American society.

Determined to forge a successful career, Carlos entered the construction industry and became a dedicated member of Laborers’ Local 472. In 1977, he co-founded Scalfar Contracting Inc., a company that quickly earned a reputation for excellence and credibility throughout the New Jersey and New York construction sectors. Despite his success as a businessman, he remained deeply rooted in the Portuguese community of the Ironbound. He took an active role in various institutions, including Sport Marítimo Portuense, União Beneficente Portuense, and the Sporting Clube Português, where he has been a member since 1958. Furthermore, he was a founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, reflecting his lifelong commitment to faith and community. Carlos is married to Maria Esmeralda Santos Silva and is the father of two children, Carlos and Maria Esmeralda. Since his retirement in 2003, he has been remembered for a legacy defined by industry, dedication, and service to the community that welcomed him. His life’s work has been recognized with several high honors, including a tribute from the Friends of St. James Hospital in 1998 and a prestigious commendation (Comenda) awarded in 2018.