Lowell - Valentino M. Espinola, 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Arcelina G. (Picanco) Espinola, who passed away in 2002 after 34 cherished years of marriage.
Valentino was born on December 21, 1941, in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal. He was the son of the late Joao Correia Espinola and the late Maria Adelina do Rosario. Valentino spent his early years in Graciosa, where he attended local schools, served in the Portuguese military, worked as a farmer, and began his family with his wife, Arcelina. In 1973, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Valentino was a man of many passions. He loved gardening, playing the accordion, making wine, and participating in Holy Ghost festivities. He particularly enjoyed the feasts and entered numerous wine contests. A devoted communicant of Saint Anthony's Church, Valentino was a familiar face in the community. He worked in the area’s textile factories, including Joan Fabrics, Pellon, and Bradford Industries (formerly Pandel), until his retirement at the age of 65.
Valentino is survived by his two children: Agnelo Espinola and his wife, Silvia, of Louisville, Kentucky, and Amelia Sousa and her husband, Joe, of Lowell. He was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren: Mathieu and Caterina Espinola, and Arcelina Sousa.
Valentino is also survived by his in-laws: Maria Adelia Bettencourt of Florida, Eurico Picanco of Lowell, Firmilindo Picanco of Lowell, and Agostinho Picanco of Lowell. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ana Amelia Espinola and Angelina do Rosario, and his brothers-in-law, Valentim Picanco and Isolino Picanco.
You are welcome to attend his calling hours on Thursday June 13, 2024 from 4pm until 7pm at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA. On Friday his funeral will begin at the funeral home at 9am, his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am at Saint Anthony's Church, followed by burial in the Lowell Cemetery.