Joao Manuel 'John' Espinola
LOWELL Joao Manuel 'John' Espinola, 63, of Lowell, died Tuesday, October 13, 2015, after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. For the past thirty nine years, he was the beloved husband of Nisalda Maria (Picanco) Espinola.
A son of the late Joao and the late Alexandrina (DeMelo) Espinola, he was born June 24, 1952, in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal where he grew up and received his education. He served with the Portuguese Army before coming to the United States in 1975. He made his home in the Back Central Street Neighborhood and was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.
He was a member of the Portuguese American Civic League, ‘The Red's Club’ where he was a Director, as well as the Portuguese American Center 'The Blues Club'. He was also a Director with the Portuguese Band of Lowell and was a devoted fan to the Portuguese Soccer League’s Benfica Team. He also enjoyed watching wrestling as well as cooking. In addition to his many passions, spending time with his family brought him the most happiness.
Mr. Espinola worked as a machine operator for Prince Macaroni for many years before his retirement.
In addition to his cherished wife, Nisalda, he is survived by his children, Alcinda Espinola of Lowell and Steven Espinola of Lowell; his beloved grandchildren, Aaliyah Espinola and Ally Espinola both of Lowell; his sister, Maria Augusta Pereira and her husband, David, of Sao Miguel, Azores; his brothers, Jose Espinola and his wife, Maria Fatima of Dracut, and Marcelino Espinola and his wife, Ivonia of Dracut; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS CALLING HOURS 4 UNTIL 8 P.M. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15. ON FRIDAY, HIS FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816. HIS FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. ANTHONY CHURCH, 893 CENTRAL ST., LOWELL AT 11 A.M.. BURIAL IN WESTLAWN II CEMETERY. MEMORIALS IN HIS NAME TO ST. ANTHONY CHURCH, 893 CENTRAL ST., LOWELL MA 01852.
