…relatives in Lowell; 90
METHUEN - João José Espinola, age 90, passed away peacefully in his residence Monday night, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Alexandrina Lurdes (Silva) Espinola, with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage this past March 2nd.
João was born in Freguesia de Gaudalupe, Graciosa, Azores on January 5, 1928, son of the late Joao Espinola Bettencourt and Olivia Julia (da Silva) de Bettencourt and raised on the island, where he worked on his farm and cared for the livestock, specifically cattle. In 1985, he and his family immigrated to the United States, to seek a better life, making Lawrence his home for many years, before moving to Methuen 13 years ago. Prior to his retirement, he was an employee of the former Frank C. Myer Company in Lawrence where he met many lifelong friends. He was also a member of the Portuguese Club in Lawrence.
João was a man of simplicity, who enjoyed being at home, especially in the company of his loving family, and of course his dog, Bo Dallas, whom he referred to as “Bo.” His presence will be forever missed by those who knew and loved him.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Lawrence General Hospital, for their kindness and compassion during his final days, also to Dr. Cara Marshall from Greater Lawrence Family Health Center for amount of care and concern she extended the family, and also to the staff of Personal Touch Home Care, especially Jenny Marte, Charles Quarm, and George Wojcik, for their endless dedication and showing that love comes in all forms.
Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Maria João and Sean Garcia, with whom he shared their Methuen home, two grandchildren, Carina Garcia and Cassidy Garcia; his sisters and brothers, Manuel Jose Espinola and his wife Rosa of Lowell, Eduardo Espinola Bettencourt and his wife Argentina of Lowell, Conceicao da Silva and her husband Constantino of Toronto, Canada, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by Alberto Jose Espinola and his wife Etelvina of Graciosa Azores, Georgina Bettencourt and her husband Orlando of Lowell.
Visiting hours Friday, March 9, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950. His funeral will begin Saturday, March 10, at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury. Interment will be in St. Mary’s-Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence. see: tewksburyfuneralhome.com