John "Johnny Papa" DaLuz, 79, of New Bedford died Monday March 27, 2006 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joaquim and Antonia (Rocha) DaLuz, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Mr. DaLuz was the proprietor of Johnny Papa's Variety Store at 525 Purchase Street for many years until his retirement three years ago.
Johnny Papa was a father-figure, counselor, and many things to many people. He always humored people in times of sadness and was always there for anyone who needed him. On Halloween he would open his store and hand out candy and treats to all the children. He would even allow people credit who were short on cash. During the annual Cape Verdean Recognition Parade, he would distribute soda, sliced watermelon, and cufong to all the marchers. He often would feed the homeless coffee and goodies from his store. He did not have much but he was there for everyone.
Survivors include a son, Richard Jacintho, and his wife Lolita, of Washington, D.C.; two sisters, Francesca Rodrigues, and her husband Belmiro, of Norwich, Conn., and Ann Youngblood, and her husband William, of New Bedford; two grandchildren, Jordan and Desiree; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Minnie Glover.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday March 31, 2006 at 9 AM in Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, on Thursday March 30, 2006 from 5-8 PM.