Joao Ribeiro, a beloved member of the Plymouth community, passed away peacefully on April 9 at the Life Care Center of Plymouth, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Maria (Fernanda) Ribeiro, with whom he shared a life filled with love and cherished memories.
Born on Feb. 24, 1935, in Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal, Joao was the son of the late Manuel Ribeiro and Maria de Lourdes Furtado. He grew up in the picturesque surroundings of Vila Franca do Campo, a small paradise on the island of São Miguel. Forty years ago, Joao made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States with his family, settling in Plymouth to continue raising his children and building a new life.
Throughout his life, Joao worked diligently in local factories in Plymouth. Prior to his move to the U.S., he was employed as a lumberjack in Portugal. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, particularly in his garden, where he cultivated grapes to make his own wine – a testament to his love for nature and tradition.
Joao is survived by his children: Emanuel Ribeiro and his wife Elizabeth, Natercia Santos and her husband Carlos, Fernanda Pallai and her husband Sean, John Ribeiro and his wife Raquel, and Cacilda Hannigan and her husband Robert, all of Plymouth. He is also survived by his brothers, Norberto Rebelo of Plymouth and Augusto Ribeiro of Canada. Joao was a cherished grandfather to Pamela, Flavio, Alexis, Bryce, Carlos Jr., Isabelle, Lindsey, Ashley, and Avery, and a proud great-grandfather to Mera, Nyjah, Spencer, and Lokai.
Visiting hours will be held at the Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Home, 373 Court St., Plymouth, on Tuesday, April 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 313 Court St., Plymouth. Burial will follow at Vine Hills Cemetery in Plymouth.
João Ribeiro will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, witty personality, and the deep love he shared with his family. He had a special bond with his grandchildren, who brought him so much joy and pride – his love for them was truly immeasurable.
His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.