Portuguese immigrant Joao “John” Antonio Xavier worked as a cook and in shoe repair and married Olivia Bettencourt in 1916. The building, originally occupied by Ray’s Pool Hall, was acquired for Xavier’s Shoe Store, and Olivia’s Variety Store opened across the street in the Markey building. Their son Walter graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 1938 and eventually ran the shoe store, which featured western wear and harness repair. “Walt” and his wife Louise had 5 children, 4 of whom graduated from San Ramon Valley High School. The family history is remembered in memory of Sharon Xavier de Sousa, 1948-2019.