José A. Sardinha, 78, of Fall River, husband of Maria José (Resendes Silva) Sardinha, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his family on Wednesday January 31, 2024. Born in Agua Retorta, St. Michael, Azores, a son of the late Francisco Ferreira Sardinha and the late Maria Julia "Jacinta" (Medeiros) Sardinha, José was raised in the family business operating the village's windmill with his father and siblings. After completing his military service for his native Portugal, he emigrated alone to Fall River MA in 1970 and returned to the Azores in 1971 to marry his love, then returned to Fall River in 1972 where he remained, dedicating his life to a legacy of providing for his family and building a better life for those he loved.

A man of many vocational talents, he spent most of his work life as a professional painter. José was never reluctant to take on the most difficult of jobs renovating homes old and new all over New England. His workmanship and dedication to perfection was highly regarded by those who worked with him and those he worked for. José was a master of his craft, yet always humble, and showed pride in his singular focus of improving every home he entered.

After retirement José continued to work part time while enjoying his love for gardening. A source of joy and nostalgia of his old-world village upbringing, Jose would not let a day pass without attending to his garden – watering, pruning with such attention and care. José was proud to share his harvest every year packing his gifts of cucumbers, tomatoes, and grapes in brown paper lunch bags that he delivered to relatives and neighbors. This act exemplified who he was, a man who immersed himself in his work knowing it would provide for those he loved.

He had no greater love than that for his grandchildren. Forever present in their lives, Jose loved spending his days surrounded by his grandkids. Over the years he would join his wife in babysitting the youngest children in place of traditional daycare. It was his way of always being involved in their lives and continuing to raise the next generation of his family. His friends were met with the same regard, as he would do most anything for them. He cherished his friendships and was filled with happiness whenever they gathered and celebrated.

Jose was a light of joy for all who knew him. His genuine warm demeanor was as endearing as his classic Portuguese stubbornness that usually gave way to huff and a smile. Jose loved to make others happy and always feel welcomed. He never hesitated to open his home, his heart, or a bottle of his homemade wine for the people in his life – and for all his gifts, he will be deeply missed.

Besides his wife, of 52 years, he is survived by: four children, Maguina S. Botelho (husband John) of Fall River, Rui A. Sardinha (Judie) of Fall River, Duarte M. Sardinha (wife Meagan) of Middleboro, and Albert J. Sardinha of Fall River; four siblings, Manuel Sardinha of the Azores, Luis Sardinha of Canada, Jose Carlos Sardinha of Fall River, and Maria dos Anjos Resendes of Fall River; seven grandchildren, Zachary, Zoe, Isabella, Joshua, Matthew, Sophia, and Noah; many nieces and nephews. Jose was predeceased by his brother, Francisco Sardinha.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, February 8th, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by his committal at St. Patrick Cemetery.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!