It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jose Joaquim, age 87 years on Boxing Day, December 26, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Jose was born in Paradanta, Portugal on January 18, 1936. He and his wife Maria Lourdes, along with son Armindo and daughter Nazare, moved to Canada in December 1966. Jose sought a better life for his family, settling in Caramat, On.
While working for American Can, Jose and Maria went on to have two more sons, Nelson and Manuel.
Jose was a motivated man, who worked hard to provide for his family. He was always active and never idle; he spent countless hours tending to his garden and home. He loved to feed everyone, whether it was at his dining room table or bounty from his garden. Together with his wife, he helped raise their adored grandchildren. He was a hands on grandfather, he taught his grandkids to ride bikes, took walks along the creek, and played with them with patience and love. He was also a great-grandfather, who enjoyed seeing, holding and feeding the “littles”. Jose was proud of his heritage and a member of the Portuguese association.
He was a social man who loved to visit and spend time in the community of the Portuguese hall. Jose’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his neighbour of 44 years, Rick Piccinin, for all he has done since his health decline began 3 years ago. Rick mowed his lawn, cleared his snow along with many other kind gestures.
Jose was a fixture in his neighbourhood, checking on gardens and chatting with the best, caring neighbours ever.
Jose is survived by his children, who will miss him immensely: Armindo (Cheryl), Nazare Lehtinen, Nelson (Shelley), Manuel (Carol), his grandchildren Nicholas, Julian, Landen, Lexi (Tanner), Lucas, Sage and Bryce, his great-grandchildren and bright lights of his life Natalia, Theodore Jack and Levon.
He is also survived by his brother Manuel with whom he spoke daily. He had countless loving nieces and nephews in Canada along with many relatives throughout Portugal and France. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 47 years Maria Lourdes, in addition to his parents, siblings and other relatives.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023 at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church with Rev. Luigi Filippini officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, with vigil prayers beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
