Jose Valadao
“Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather- Founding Member of The Holy Ghost Band”
LOWELL Jose Valadao, 87, of Lowell, died after a long illness, Saturday, June 4, 2016 at his home with his family at his side. He was the beloved husband of Maria Natal Toledo (Ormonde) Valadao with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage this past December.
A son of the late Jose M. Valadao and the late Maria Borges Meneses, he was born January 30, 1929, in Terceira, Azores, Portugal. He was raised and educated in the Azores. He served his country as a member of the Portuguese Army and worked on the Lajes Field U.S. air base in Terciera for many years. He made his home in Terceira until 1969 when he moved to the United States, with his family, and was reunited with his brother, settling in Lowell.
Mr. Valadao worked as a gardener in the greenhouse at Tewksbury State Hospital for many years before his retirement in 1991. He was a talented saxophone player and was a member of many marching bands in his native Terceira. His love for music came with him to Lowell where he was a founding member of The Holy Ghost Band. He also enjoyed soccer, and the Terceira Carnival. He was a member of the Portuguese American Center and a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.
He was well known for keeping his yard and gardens in pristine condition. He was a gifted gardener both at work and at home, always tending to his flower and vegetable gardens at his home Lower Belvidere. More than anything, he enjoyed time well spent with his family and friends especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
In addition to his wife, Maria, he is survived by his son, Delio Valadao and his wife, Leonor, of Lowell, his daughter, Eulalia Raposo and her husband, Helder, of Lowell, a sister, Maria Natal Meneses and her husband, Francisco, of Lowell, 6 grandchildren; Laulita Kelly and her husband Christopher, of Dracut, Valerio Ormonde and his wife Kristen of Lowell, Erica Cruz and her husband Jonathan, of Nashua, NH, Natasha Rosario and her husband Jose, of Worcester, Scarlet Desaavedra of Lowell, Desirée Valadao and her fiancé Luis Melo of Lowell, 2 Step Grandchildren; Kimberly Raposo of Stoneham, and Helder Raposo Jr. of Wakefield, 6 great grandchildren; Adrian, Stella and Savian Cruz, Gabriella Rosario, Dean Ormonde, Alexi Melo and he was expecting another great grandchild in the coming months. He is also survived by many friends including his dear friend, Antonio Fagundes of Lowell.
He was the brother of the late Lourenco Valadao who passed away in 1997.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS CALLING HOURS FROM 4 UNTIL 8 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JUNE 7 AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816.
ON WEDNESDAY, HIS FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT 9 A.M. FROM THE FUNERAL HOME. HIS FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH AT 10 A.M.. THE PROCESSION WILL FOLLOW FOR BURIAL AT LOWELL CEMETERY.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE IN HIS NAME TO ELDER SERVICES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY, 280 MERRIMACK STREET, SUITE 400, LAWRENCE, MA 01843.
