Joao C. Botelho, 78, of Fall River, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 16, at St. Anne's Hospital. He was married to Maria Alexandrina (Resendes) Botelho, with whom he shared 59 years.
Born in Agua Retorta, St. Michael, Azores, he was son of the late Jose and Jorgelina (Cabral) Botelho. A construction laborer for General Fence and City Fence, and Fall River resident since 1966, Joao attended Santo Christo Church, was involved in Young Nationals and Academica, and loved feeding his birds and playing cards and dominoes.
He leaves behind sons Joseph Botelho of Acushnet and George and Robert Botelho of Fall River; daughters Laurinda Resendes of Porto City, Portugal, Jorgelina Cote of Fall River, Juliet Silva of Somerset, Peggy Botelho of Lakeville, Bella Luddy of Swansea, and Lee Souza of Fall River; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was also father of the late Maria C. Botelho and brother of the late Manuel and Jose Botelho and Maria Faria.
His funeral was held in Santo Christo Church. Pallbearers Ian Philip, Joseph and Jason Botelho, Scott Silva, Michael Cote, Brian Silva and Timothy Torres brought Joao to his final resting place at St. Patrick's Cemetery.