CUMBERLAND

Joao R. DeMelo, 85, of Cumberland, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at home.  He was the husband of 60 years of the late Maria Luisa (Andrade) DeMelo.

Born in Sao Miguel, Azores,  he was the son of the late Joseph Rodrigues Melo and the late Cordelina (Machado) Melo.  He moved to this country in 1967, settling in Central Falls and later moving to Cumberland.

Mr. DeMelo was employed at Larson Tool Company for many years until his retirement.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Fatima Drive, Cumberland.  Joao loved his garden and his fruit trees in his yard.  He was always excited to show what he was growing to anyone who would visit him.  He was also an active member of the Divino Espirito Santo of St. Anthony Church in Pawtucket from 1978 to 1985.

He leaves his daughter, Luisa Abatecola of East Providence; his four grandchildren, Alexander and his wife Briahnna, Dominique, Christopher and Gianna; his great-grandson, Lucas; his siblings, Maria Tome of Vancouver, B.C. and Luis Mello of Pawtucket; as well as several godchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by many brothers and sisters.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Joao's Life Celebration to be held with Visiting Hours on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM and continue on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 9 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland.   A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Fatima Drive, Cumberland.  Burial will follow at  Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com