Jose Francisco Rosa

Jose F. Rosa, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Pawtucket, RI, on August 8, 2023. Born on June 18, 1935, in Cedros Faial, Azores, he was the son of the late, Jose Silveira and Rosa Emilia (Escobar) DaRosa. He was a strong man of faith and was a member of St. Teresa Church in Pawtucket, RI. He was a loving and kind man, and will be deeply missed.

Jose was the devoted and loving husband to Emilia (Laranjo) Rosa for over 64 years. He was the proud father of five children, Joseph DaRosa and his wife Litsa; Charles DaRosa and his wife Cindy; Helen Pereira; Emily Alvernaz and her husband Manny; Natalie Cabral and her husband Jay; nine grandchildren - Elizabeth St. Armour and her husband Jonathan, Tanya Silva and her husband Eric, Justin DaRosa and his wife Mindy, Zachary Pereira, Alexandra Pereira, Nicole Alvernaz, Lucas Alvernaz, Austin Cabral, and Jillian Cabral; seven great-grandchildren - Jacob Markward, Cecilia Goodwin, Evan Silva, Greyson Silva, Mia Silva, Carolina St. Armour, and Yianni St. Armour; as well as his many nieces and nephews, and his extended family and friends. Jose is survived by his sister, Liduina Emilia Pinheiro.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Maria Helena Fialho, Irene Silveira, Laura Escobar, and Manuel DaRosa; son-in-law Daniel Pereira; three granddaughters, Sandra, Katerina, and Christina DaRosa.

Jose and his wife, Emilia, embarked on a remarkable journey when they immigrated to the United States in 1959, seeking a better life for themselves and their future family. With a determination that knew no bounds, he embraced his new home with open arms and a tenacious spirit.

In those early years, Jose faced the challenges of an unfamiliar place head-on. He tirelessly took on various jobs to make ends meet, demonstrating an unwavering work ethic that would later become a cornerstone of his success. Through sheer dedication and perseverance, he gradually built a foundation upon which he would eventually craft an illustrious legacy. Together with his wife, they nurtured a loving household that became a haven for their five children, and spouses. His role as a father was characterized by patience, guidance, and an unwavering support that inspired his children to chase their dreams.

As the years passed, Jose transformed from a determined immigrant into a beacon of success in the business world. His visionary mindset, coupled with his innate ability to connect with people, led him to excel in his entrepreneurial pursuits. His ventures not only provided for his growing family but also paved the way for a future that would impact generations to come.

He was an avid sports fan cheering fervently for his favorite teams, including his favorite Benfica soccer team, the NE Patriots and Boston Red Sox. His enthusiasm and loyalty for these sports brought an additional layer of joy and camaraderie to our family gatherings.

Jose was also passionate about his garden and fishing. He took great pride in his garden spending hours outdoors admiring the beauty of nature. His green thumb and love for cultivating nature turned his garden into a vibrant oasis, a testament to his care and dedication. When he cast his fishing line into the waters, he found solace and contentment in the tranquil beauty of the outdoors.

In addition to Jose’s many accomplishments, he was a dedicated and respected member of the Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity organization for over 50 years. His commitment to serving his community and fostering a spirit of compassion and goodwill earned him the admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a devoted member and past president of the organization, he exemplified the values of unity, charity, integrity, honesty, and selflessness.
 

His family will never forget the Sunday nights that we eagerly anticipated, gathering around the table for traditional Portuguese dinners that became a cherished family tradition. Jose always said that he was ‘Rich’ in family and had a special fondness for his Portuguese heritage, and Sunday dinners were a testament to that love and commitment to his family.  The aroma of traditional Portuguese food filled the air, and the dishes prepared with care and passion became a source of comfort, nourishment, and connection for the entire family, followed by the 6pm long distance call to his son in NC for a ‘Pequenino’ (Brandy Toast).  This is a family tradition that his family will continue to honor in Jose‘s memory.

As we bid farewell to our beloved Jose F. Rosa, let us remember the remarkable journey he undertook, from a distant island to a land of opportunity, and the extraordinary life he lived. His legacy of triumph over adversity, his commitment to family, his love for nature, his dedication to community, and the warmth of those cherished Sunday dinners will forever remain etched in the hearts and minds of his family.

In the tapestry of life, Jose's thread may have come to an end, but the vibrant colors of his impact will continue to weave through the lives he touched. May his soul find eternal rest, knowing that his legacy will live on through the stories shared and the lives lead. His memory will forever be a source of inspiration and strength.

His funeral will be held Friday, August11, 2023 at 8:45am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Teresa Church ,358 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI.

Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours Thursday August 10,2023 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Rebello Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02904 or at  the following link: Donate to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care - HopeHealth (hopehealthco.org).

www.rebellofuneralhome.com

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