Joao L. "das Couves" Pereira, 72, of Fall River, passed away Wednesday after an extended illness. He was the husband of Maria do Rosaria (Ferreira) Pereira, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Born in Rabo de Peixe, St. Michael, Azores, son of the late Jose and Maria de Espirito Santo (Paiva) Pereira. A Fall River resident for 46 years, he worked in construction, was a member of Local 610 and a lifetime member of the Our Lady of Light Band Club. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Survivors include sons, John Pereira, Jr. (wife – Dee) and Joseph D. Pereira, all of Westport; daughters, Anne Marie Amaral (husband – Arthur) of Westport, Madeline C. Rioux (husband – Darrin) of Westport and Natalie Moniz (husband – Stephen) of Dartmouth; brothers, Manuel Resendes and Gilberto Resendes of St. Michael, Azores and Gil Pereira of Montreal, Canada; grandchildren, Justin, Zachary, Sara, Tabitha and Vanessa; and several nieces and nephews. He was also brother of the late Jose Resendes and Maria dos Anjos Resendes. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, September 17, in Espirito Santo Church followed by his committal at Notre Dame Cemetery.