Antonio (Tony) L. Joao, 87, passed peacefully away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Benedita, Portugal, he was the son of the late Antonio and Elisia (Rainha) Joao. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1955, settling in Indian Orchard, moving to Granby in 1986. He enrolled in night school to learn English, served for a short time in the U.S. Army and became a naturalized American citizen. Tony had strong work ethic, emphasizing the importance of hard work, education and higher learning. He was a role model for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was loving and generous. During his battle with CLL and Congestive Heart Failure, he lived life to the fullest and cherished time with his family. He had a kind smile, big heart, positive attitude and outlook toward the future. He was employed by Mead Westvaco as a machine mechanic for over 45 years. He also worked for Popko Realty in the 1970’s where he acquired his ambition for real estate investing. In his retirement he and his wife enjoyed time in Clearwater, FL during the winter and Granby on his property alongside his family. Most of all, he enjoyed gardening and operating his Kubota tractor. He tried his green thumb on everything from arborvitae shrubs, Christmas trees, fruit and fig trees as well as growing a variety of vegetables. His ability to repair or improve almost anything earned him the nickname “MacGyver”. Tony was a lifelong member of the Gremio Lusitano Club and a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Ludlow. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and was a loyal Bruins and Patriots fan. His large family was always #1 with him. He was a dedicated husband, father and Vovo (Grandpa). He will be missed dearly by his family.
Antonio leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 61 year Ermelinda Joao; his loving children Paulo Joao and is wife Ana Maria; and his daughter Suzana Magalhaes and her husband Louie, all of Granby. He also leaves his brothers Luis and Jack Joao; his sisters Connie Filipe and Trindade Agostinho; his grandchildren Stephanie Sousa and her husband Frank, Amanda and Alexander Joao and his great-grandchildren Sophia and Conor Sousa, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his siblings Jose, Manuel, Francisco, Fernando, Arnoldo. Dino, Elvira and Maria.
Tony’s family would like to thank his cardiologist and friend Dr. Joan Lisak for her care and friendship.
Visiting hours for Antonio will be Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 9:00-10:15 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church. Burial will be in Island Pond Cemetery. Donations in Antonio’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451 or www.heart.org.
Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm
Donations in Antonio’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451 or www.heart.org.
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Post an EventOur sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
Good morning Dad I love you& miss you❤️Suzie
In memory of Antonio L. Joao, ISABEL M MALLEY lit a candle
Primo Tony you were such a big part of our lives. So many wonderful memories we have with you, prima , Sue & Paul. You will be missed. Isabel & Victor
TIO- May you rest in peace. Thank You for the many interesting discussions we had over the years. I admired what you achieved for you and your family and in many ways you were a Role Model to me. As a young boy in the 60's I admired how your hair looked , better than John Travolta's in grease or the "ELVIS CUT". I asked you how you were able to maintain such a cool hair style and remember you giving me your special formula, which you insisted I keep it as a " secret" between us. I want you to know that I tried hard to create the Formula but thanks to Grandma, I did not succeed. I was not able to ever get my" Elvis Cut " hair style. Nevertheless, I want you to know that I kept my word and never disclosed your "Secret Formula" and never will!!! Thank You for all the guidance and love you gave me. I enjoyed all our varied discussions and will cherish them forever. We will meet again someday and have another good laugh about that "Secret Hair Formula" that you shared with this 11 year old nephew of yours. Tio Rest In peace and keep the "Welcome Matt" out for me until we meet again and play another Golf Game together. Next time I will Win !!! Because I will be practicing the tips you gave me to improve my game. LOVE YOU, Tony Roxo
Our condolences to the Family.
I have many fond memories of Pathrinho. He was so generous, kind and loving. He always put his family first and always had a smile. I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Tio???
I will always hold uncle Tony in my heart . Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with then entire family.
Our condolences to the family.
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.