JOÃO F. AGUIAR
September 30, 1932 – November 29, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of João F. Aguiar announces his passing after a brief illness, at the age of 86. João will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Olinda, and his five daughters, Natalie Woodhouse (Pete), Deborah Poirier (Chris Fernandes), Noreen Duffy(Bob), Joann Flanagan (Jimmy), and Linda Ellis (Rick). João will also be fondly remembered by his eleven grandchildren, Nicole, James, Jeremiah, Matthew, Ryan, Lauren, Renee, Kaya, Nathan, Emma, Nolan and his six great grandchildren, Mason, Owen, Audrey, Elliot, Olivia and Raegan. He is survived by his brother Luis and many nieces and nephews.
Born in São Miguel, Açores, João moved to America in 1961 and lived in New Bedford. He was driven by education, and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from SMU. From 1976 to 1992 he was the Branch Head of the “Casa da Saudade” the first Portuguese/American Library. He was also the founder and President of the “Escola Official Portuguesa”, founder of “Friends of Casa da Saudade” and helped to found the “Immigrants Assistance Center.”
In his early years, from 1970 - 1973, João worked as a counselor at the Youth Resources Agency. During this time, and having a love for the sport, he coached several soccer teams and was an advocate for many youth in the area.
After retirement, from 1997-2013, João worked at Cardinal Medeiros Residence as a Resident Service Assistant. He never considered this work a “job” and was honored to be of service to the retired priests of the diocese. João will be remembered dearly by the residents for his “quiet presence and joyful ways”.
Joãos favorite pastime was fishing at the Mattapoisett Pier. Many memories were made teaching his “5” daughters and many others how to fish. He also loved to read, garden, drink a good espresso and watch soccer with his best friend.
It was evident that João loved life, his life being his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and especially his wife, Olinda, the wind beneath his wings. The love and happiness he showed everyone he met was truly amazing.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
João’s visiting hours with his cremains will be held on Friday, December 14th at Perry Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 P.M. His funeral will be Saturday morning at St. Mary’s Church in New Bedford at 9:30 A.M. The family has kindly asked that all wishing to attend his mass on Saturday to please meet directly at the church.
Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, Ma 02740.