Joseph F. Xavier, 98, of Fall River, husband of the late Elizabeth A. (Viveiros) Xavier, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, at SouthPointe Nursing Home. Born in Fall River, a son of the late Manuel Xavier and the late Rosalinda (Fernandes) Xavier, he was a lifelong resident of Fall River.

Graduate of the Maritime Academy of New London, CT, Joseph served honorably in the Merchant Marines during World War II. Founder and longtime owner/manager of Xavier's Florist of Fall River, he enjoyed gardening in his spare time.

He is survived by: four children, Patricia Tremblay of Fall River, Ronald Xavier (wife Diane) of Dartmouth, Kenneth Xavier (wife Lise) of Dartmouth, and Eric Xavier of Taunton; eight grandchildren, Jodie, Shawn, Cara, Avery, Kelcie, Megan, Eric Jr, and Ashley; thirteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. All nine of his siblings preceded him in death: Manuel, Rose, Mary, Angie, Tony, Johnny, Jimmy, Louie, and Frankie.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, July 14th, in Holy Trinity Parish Church followed by his committal at Notre Dame 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 this pandemic 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!