Obituary for Joao Goncalves
Joao Goncalves, 91, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 4, 2017. Joao, known as the Patriarch of the Goncalves family, will be forever remembered for his gentle heart and contagious smile. Born in Travassos da Cha, Montalegre, Portugal in 1925, he was the son of the late Antonio Goncalves and Maria Pereira. He met and married the love of his life, Ana Afonso Alves. Together with their children Maria (Quinhas) and Custodio (Chris), they emigrated to the US in 1966, hoping for better future for themselves and their children. Two years after arriving in the US, their son Antonio (Tony) was born. Joao and Ana celebrated over 60 years of marriage together. In the United States, Joao worked as a Craftsman tool maker for many years at Moore Drop Forge/Easco Hand Tools. Family was of top importance in Joao’s life. Joao was always there for his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and all family members. Joao became a US Citizen. He was an active communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Ludlow, and longtime member of the Gremio Lusitano Club. He enjoyed playing cards, and investing and maintaining real estate and teaching his children the value of hard work, and saving your pennies for a rainy day. Above all else, Joao was happy each and every day he was able to share with his family, particularly his children and grandchildren. Joao was predeceased by his sister Ana Goncalves of Ludlow and husband Joao, his brother Antonio and wife Idalina Goncalves of Ludlow, and his brother Fernando and his wife Maria of Ludlow, and a brother in law, Antonio Alves of Ludlow, and a sister Ana Goncalves of Milford. He is survived by his loving wife Ana, his children Maria Torres and her husband Manuel of Portugal, Chris Goncalves and his wife Cristina, Tony Goncalves and his wife Heather both of Ludlow. His siblings Avelino Goncalves and his wife Ana, Custodio Goncalves and his wife Joaquina and sister in law Joaquina Alves, all of Ludlow. A thoughtful God Daughter, Maria Pereira. He will be forever missed by his cherished grandchildren Daniel Torres and his wife Ligia, Ana Alexandrina Torres, and Cassie, Ryan, Kyle, Liz and AJ Goncalves. He also leaves several nieces, nephews and other extended family members. The family wishes to thank his caretakers Ju, Maria and Artur for their care and companionship. Thanks to Dr. Jose Vinagre of Orchard Medical Associates as well as the staff at Baystate Medical Center, where he spent his last few days. Funeral services will take place at 9AM on Friday, June 9th from the Ludlow Funeral Home, 432 East Street, with liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fatima Church and burial at St. Aloysious Cemetery. Calling hours on Thursday, June 8th from 5-7PM.
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Previous Events
Funeral Liturgy
Friday
9
Jun
10:00 AM
Our Lady of Fatima Parish
438 Winsor Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Aloysius Cemetery
1273 Berkshire Avenue
Indian Orchard, Ma 01151
Memorial Contribution
Charity of One's Choice
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