Delio ‘Peladinho’ Valadao, 67, of Merrimack, NH passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 10, 2025 at his home. He was the husband of Leonor (Cardoso) Valadao with whom he shared the last forty-six years of marriage.
He was born on February 13, 1957 in Lajes, Terceira, Azores, Portugal and was a son of the late Jose M. And Maria Natal (Toledo Ormonde) Valadao. He was raised in Terceira until the age of thirteen, when he and his family relocated to the United States, settling in Lowell.
Delio was a hard worker from an early age who began his career shortly after arriving in Lowell. He worked at Fletcher Granite in Chelmsford, starting in the quarry, then as a truck driver and steadily advancing to become a landscape sales manager. Later, he took on the role of hardscape manager with the Greener Group of Lowell, where he worked until his retirement in 2020.
He was a communicant of St. Anthony Church and an active member of the Holy Ghost Society, where he was Past President and part of Trindade. He was a former member of the Portuguese American Club “The Blues Club" and the Portuguese American Civic League “The Reds Club”. Delio was instrumental in starting the Boy Scouts in Lowell and played a key role in creating and expanding the tradition of Carnaval from the Azores to Lowell, initiated by his father that he proudly grew and preserved.
Delio had a deep love for woodworking, stonework, landscaping, and soccer. He was a devoted supporter of Sporting Clube de Portugal. His family was the most important aspect of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them, particularly his grandchildren.
Known for his wonderful sense of humor, Delio had a way of lighting up any room he entered. He was beloved by all who knew him for his generous spirit and selflessness, always putting the needs of others before his own.
In addition to his wife, Leonor of Merrimack; he is survived by three daughters, Laulita Silva Borges and her wife, Marta, of Nashua, NH, Erica Cruz and her husband, Jonathan, of Londonderry, NH, and Desiree Melo and her husband, Luis, of Manchester, NH; his six beloved grandchildren, Johnluis, Adrian, Stella and Savian Cruz and Alexy and Jade Melo; and his great granddaughter, Gia Cruz.
He is also survived by his sister, Eulalia Raposo and her husband, Helder of Palm Coast, FL; his aunt, Maria Pires of Eureka, California; his godmother, Maria Natal Meneses of Lowell, MA and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and ancestors, he was predeceased by his godfathers, the late Laurenco Valadáo and the late Francisco Meneses and his aunt, the late Norberta Borba.
On Thursday, January 16, 2025 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. His funeral mass will be offered at 12:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell; followed by burial at Lowell Cemetery. Please find us on Facebook or use our website to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.