Joseph L. DeMelo

Joseph L. DeMelo, 68, of Fall River, passed into eternal rest October 21st after a brief illness. He was the husband of Lucy (Raposo) DeMelo.

Born in St. Michael, Azores, he was the son of the late Evaristo and Angelina (Borges) DeMelo, he moved to the United States in 1967.

Joe’s dedicated work ethic was one of his greatest attributes. He worked in landscaping and construction for  over 30 years. Recently he worked in maintenance for the Gabriel House in Fall River. Because Joe didn’t feel complete unless he was working, he spent all of his free time helping out his family, friends, and neighbors however he could.

He was a member of the Fall River Sports Club and loved to volunteer at parish feasts and walking in church processions.

Joe enjoyed everything about the outdoors. He loved yard work, fishing, and just sitting outside. In his younger years he enjoyed playing hockey and soccer. He was an avid sports fan for all New England teams. He also enjoyed watching old TV shows, caring for his parakeets and canaries, and drawing, he was an amazing artist. 

Joe was a fighter even in his final days, even in his weakest moments, he fought. He always looked at the positive side no matter what challenges were thrown his way. He loved his family and dedicated absolutely everything to them. He loved to spend time laughing with his friends and his best moments were spent vacationing with friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor. 

Dad, it was an honor to watch you selflessly love and lead our family, never expecting anything in return. I hope you stepped into the presence of the Lord knowing that you were so loved on this earth and that we will never ever forget you. Your smirky smile will be in our hearts forever. 

Besides his loving wife of 47 years, he leaves three children, Linda Medeiros (late husband Justin), Joshua DeMelo (wife Jennifer), and Angie DeMelo; four grandchildren, Alyssa, Kendall, Peyton and Luke Medeiros; a brother, Evaristo DeMelo (wife Sharon); and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John Melo (wife Mary).

A visitation will be held Monday,  October  25, 2021, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 P.M. at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 So. Main St., Fall River.

His funeral will be held Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 9:00 AM from the funeral home, with a  Funeral Mass at Santo Christo Church, Columbia St. at 10:00 AM.  

Burial, with graveside committal service will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery. 

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