Obituary for Joseph Jr. Dias
Joseph Dias Jr. 93, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2012 with his loved ones by his side. Born in Valley Falls, R.I., son of the late Jose and Eduarda (Maria) Dias, he lived in Ludlow since 1929 and attended schools in Ludlow and Springfield. Joseph was a United States Army Veteran proudly serving his country during WWII as a Sergeant in the 5th Army Division. He was stationed in Kennebunkport, Maine, where he developed a lasting love for the area. In 1949, he began his successful career in business buying his first business, Provision Market. While running this business with his wife Anna for 10 years, he obtained both his real estate license and insurance license. He ran Joseph Dias Realty and Insurance Agency for many years. As the franchise holder for Arbor Homes of Western Ma., he built many Ludlow homes, spanning a career of 25 years. Joseph was very philanthropic, giving back to the community in many ways. Joseph founded the Luso Federal Credit Union in 1970 with $35 in assets and 7 members. He served as the credit union’s chairman of the board for 20 years until his retirement in 1990. He continued to serve as a respected member of its board throughout his lifetime. He was past president of the Springfield Home Builders and National Home Builders Associations. He was elected as a member of the first Ludlow Housing Board, responsible for the housing complex on Hampden St. in Ludlow. Joseph was very active in the Ludlow Community throughout his lifetime, serving as a member and past vice president of the Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Ludlow Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, and a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. He was a charter member of the Portuguese American Citizens Club, and was awarded a thank you plaque in 1991, a member and former President of the Gremio Lusitano Club, spearheading the building committee that constructed the new building currently on Winsor St., in Ludlow. He was a charter member of the Jose Society, a member of the Ludlow Country Club, and Chapin Street School building committee, and a board member of the Ludlow Finance Committee for 15 years. Joseph loved the children of Ludlow, and served on the building committee for the Ludlow Community Center Randall Boys and Girls Club. He donated a classroom to the Center in honor of his beloved Anna and continued to be a great financial supporter of the club during his lifetime. His greatest legacy was the creation of the Joseph and Anna C. Dias Foundation started in memory of his late wife Anna. Through donations and his commitment to the youth of the community, the foundation began with land purchased from the Lusitania Institute. He turned that land into nationally recognized soccer fields currently utilized by youth soccer clubs from multiple areas. His greatest wish was that the foundation and lands continue to be utilized for the benefit of the local youth and charitable organizations. Joseph was also a lifelong member of the Lusitania Institute and served as its president for many years, until his retirement in 2002. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Church, and the last surviving member of its building committee. Joseph was the beloved husband of the late Anna (Costa) Dias, who predeceased him in 1996; a cherished brother to Armand Dias and his wife Hilda, of Ludlow, the late Albert and late wife Ethel, and the late Avelino and his wife Sheila, of Ludlow. Joseph also leaves his devoted friend and caretaker for over 40 years Arminda Fernandes; brothers-in-law Mario Cachucho and late wife Barbara, and August Costa and wife Diolinda, of Ludlow; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 9:00am from Ludlow Funeral Home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of Fatima Church followed by burial in St. Aloysius Cemetery. Visiting hours are Friday evening from 3:00-7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to Our Lady of Fatima Church 438 Winsor St. Ludlow, Ma. 01056 or St. Elizabeth Parish 181 Hubbard Street Ludlow, Ma. 01056.
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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to Our Lady of Fatima Church 438 Winsor St. Ludlow, Ma. 01056 or St. Elizabeth Parish 181 Hubbard Street Ludlow, Ma. 01056.
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