Joseph M. ‘Joe’ Baltazar, 69 of Lowell, passed away at Lowell General Hospital on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 after a period of declining health surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Maria (Pimentel) Baltazar with whom he would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this upcoming September.
Joe was born on November 10, 1956 in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal, and was a son of the late David S. and Maria Rosa (Peixoto) Baltazar. He was raised in Sao Miguel until he was 11 years old, when he relocated to the United States with his family, settling in Lowell. He attended the area schools in Lowell, graduating from Lowell High School.
He worked as a truck driver throughout his entire career, beginning at Baker Commodities. He later worked in construction on the Big Dig and the widening of Route 3, before returning to Baker Commodities, where he spent over 20 years until his retirement.
He was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and a member of the Portuguese American Civic League, the Red’s Club and the Portuguese American Center, the Blue’s Club.
Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren was his greatest joy in life.
In addition to his wife, Maria, he is survived by his daughters, Lisa Brown and her husband, Harold of Lowell, and Sandra Borges and her husband, Alex of Tyngsboro; three beloved grandchildren, Abigail Brown, Tiago Borges, and Leandro Borges. He is also survived by his brothers, David Baltazar of Lowell, and Charlie Baltazar of Arizona; and several nieces, nephews, friends, and his Godchildren.
Donations in his memory may be made to: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online at: https://www.heart.org/
On Sunday, April 26, 2026 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2-5 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.
His funeral will begin on Monday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at Lowell Cemetery on Knapp Ave. in Lowell.