Joaquim P. "Jack" Oliveira, 91, of Fairhaven, died peacefully surrounded by his family on January 4, 2023 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Shirley M. (Senna) Oliveira and is survived by his companion of the past 19 years, Geralyn "Geri" Giusti of New Bedford.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Joaquim P. and Alice (Costa) Oliveira, he moved to Fairhaven in 1956. Jack was a devoted Catholic and believed strongly in his faith. He was formerly employed at his family's business, Allen's Package Store from 1947-1970. Jack later worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Junior Engineer in the Highway Department from 1970 until his retirement in 1994.
Jack served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 and served during the Korean War. He was very proud of his service to his country. Jack loved dancing and spent many Saturday nights with his wife, Shirley dancing the night away. He later enjoyed many times dancing with his companion, Geri. Jack cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was blessed to attend four of his grandchildren's weddings. Throughout his life, Jack enjoyed exercising and going to the Y.M.C.A. in New Bedford every day. He often expressed how important his daily contact with his friends there meant to him. Later in life, he was a very active member and board member of the Fairhaven Council on Aging. Jack was very appreciative of all they have done for him over the years. He lived a full life and was extremly active until his recent illness.
Survivors include four children, Karen Oliveira Haas of Redway, California; Rosemary Oliveira of Fairhaven, Matthew J. Oliveira and his wife Kathleen of Fairhaven, and Jennifer L. Oliveira and her partner Brittany of New Bedford; a sister-in-law, Virginia Oliveira of Dartmouth; eight grandchildren, Jarrod Ross and his spouse Sara, Jason Haas and his partner Edy, Caitlin Oliveira, Rachael Smart and her spouse Andrew, Lily Haas and her partner Nick, Angela Haas and her spouse Jon, Alyson Silva and her spouse Jared, and Christopher Oliveira and his partner Ayla; three great-grandchildren: Benjamin Smart, Cameron Smart and Peyton Silva; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Christopher J. Oliveira and Jonathan Oliveira, the grandfather of the late Matthew R. Oliveira; and the brother of the late Silvino Oliveira, Leonard P. Oliveira and Alice Botelho.
His visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 13th from 3-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14th at 9 AM at St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Matty Oliveira Memorial Fund.