Antonio L. Joao

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 5^th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451 or www.heart.org.