Joao M. Pavao, 83, of Fall River, husband of Odilia (Costa) Pavao, passed away on Friday at Charlton Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born in Bretanha, St. Michael, Azores, he was the son of the late Francisco M. and Maria (Pereira) Pavao. He worked in the local textile industry for many years before his retirement. An avid Benfica fan, he also enjoyed making his own wine back in the day. He and his wife recently celebrated their 50 ^th wedding anniversary with the entire extended family. But most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren who were the "light of his life". Besides his wife of 50 years, he leaves his daughter, Maria D. Stahl and son-in-law Marc Stahl of Norfolk, Ma; two grandchildren: Zachary and Zara Stahl; a brother, Gilbert Pavao of St. Michael, Azores; brother-in law William Costa and wife Irene of Somerset, Ma; brother-in-law Louis Costa of Fall River, Ma; sister-in-law Maria Costa of Thunderbay, Canada;  and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Manuel, Herculano, and Maria deLourdes Pavao. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, May 10th, in Espirito Santo Church followed by his committal at Notre Dame Cemetery.