Joaquim Francisco Cunha

Joaquim F. Cunha, 72, a cherished pillar of his community and loving family man, passed away peacefully at RI Hospital in Providence, RI on August 5, 2023. Born on May 24, 1951, in Sao Miguel, Azores, Joaquim was the son of the late Francisco Ferreira Cunha and Rosa (Pacheco) Cunha. Known for his wisdom, generosity, and loving nature, Joaquim will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Joaquim was the devoted husband of Jorcelina (Moniz) Cunha, and their bond was a testament to their enduring love and mutual respect. He was a proud father to Sheila and Kevin Cunha of East Providence and a doting grandfather to Vanessa Lima and Khadadiatou Ndaiye. The joy of his later years was his great-grandchildren, Leonardo and Theodore Costa. Joaquim was the beloved brother of Maria Henriques of Brockton, MA, and Maria Rosa Freitas of Florida. He was also a dear uncle to Lisa, Jonathan, Grace, Paul, Robert, Eliana, Bryan, Larry, Jessica, Erica, Nolita, Nina, and Rueben Jeffrey and Ricky Henriques.

A high school graduate, Joaquim was a hardworking and determined individual. He was the proud owner and operator of Dunkin Donuts in Boston for over 30 years, where he left a lasting impression on both employees and customers with his warm personality and strong work ethic.

In 2001, Joaquim moved to East Providence, where he quickly became a respected member of the community. He was a dedicated parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church, where he found comfort and fellowship. He was passionate about gardening, a hobby that brought him immense joy and serenity. An avid fisherman, Joaquim could often be found enjoying the tranquility of the water and the thrill of the catch. A lover of all things Portuguese, Joaquim was an ardent supporter of the Benfica Soccer Club and enjoyed listening to Portuguese music. His cultural heritage was important to him, and he took great pride in sharing it with others. He also found great happiness in spending time with his family and grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will live on in their hearts.

Joaquim was a man of many virtues. He was kind-hearted, wise, and incredibly generous. He possessed a unique ability to make those around him feel loved and cherished. His radiant smile and infectious laughter brought joy to all who knew him. His wisdom, garnered from a life well-lived, served as a guiding light for his family and friends. His generosity was boundless, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Joaquim's legacy of love, wisdom, and generosity will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will forever be a beacon of light in their lives, a reminder of a man who lived his life with kindness, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to his family. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the lives of those he touched.

In conclusion, Joaquim F. Cunha was a man who embodied love, wisdom, and generosity. His life was a testament to these values, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him. His memory will be cherished and his life celebrated, as he continues to live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

His funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:00am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, RI, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence.   Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail East Providence.   Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are Tuesday from 5-7pm at the funeral home.       www.rebellofuneralhome.com

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