José Pina Nunes

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of José Nunes (Portimao, Portugal), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Born and raised in Carvoerio, Portugal, José's life was a testament to hard work, love, and a commitment to living each day to its fullest.

José married the love of his life, Olga, in his hometown, and together they built a life rich in love and family. His career was spent on the Portuguese White Fleet, where he worked tirelessly, later continuing his fishing career with FPI after the Fleet was retired. He was no stranger to the harsh realities of the sea, fishing off the Grand Banks, based out of Trepassey, Newfoundland. Many years later, José discovered the joy of reconnecting with his daughter-in-law's Trepassey roots, making those ties even stronger.

José and Olga made the courageous decision to immigrate to Newfoundland, where they set down roots and began a new chapter. They brought their young son, Paulo, over to Newfoundland in time to start kindergarten, marking the beginning of the Nunes family's new life in a place that would become their second home. Post-retirement, José enjoyed spending his spring and summer months on his beloved Algarve Praia da Rocha beach, returning to Newfoundland each winter to be with his pride and joy, Paul, and his family.

José's secret to a long and healthy life was simple: live for the moment, don't stress about the past or future, and remember that "all we need in life is one plate and one glass; don't worry about anything else." Though he never quite followed his own rule of "one glass," often needing Olga to step in and remind him who was boss, his philosophy on life was one we could all learn from.

An avid football player in his youth, José was a passionate supporter of Sporting CP and, much to the chagrin of some, the Toronto Maple Leafs. His love for sports was a significant influence on his grandchildren, especially in shaping Alexandre and Aubrey's soccer careers. His granddaughter Adriana was the apple of his eye, the one he proudly said he never had to worry about.

José leaves behind his devoted wife and life partner, Olga; his beloved son Paul (Heather Stamp); and his treasured grandchildren, Alexandre, Adriana, and Aubrey Nunes. He also leaves behind Heather's family, whom he lovingly adopted as his own: Kevin and Ursula Stamp, Jennifer Noonan (Dwayne), Evelyn, Charlotte, Allison Stamp (Steve), and Molly.

Also left to mourn are his sisters: Maria Emília Rosado and her husband (and Jose's best friend) Antonio Rosado, Graciete (Tita) Vitorino and her husband Colombano Vitorino, and Luciana Martins and her husband José Manuel Martins. He is also survived by his special nieces and nephews: Paula Rosado and Fábio Marcelino, Annabelle Rosado, Adriano Martins and Joana Martins, Sandra Nunes, Jorge Nunes, José Manuel Banderas, Ricardo Vitorino, Carlos Vitorino, and Maria José (Zezinha) Martins.

José's memory will be cherished by his loving Portuguese and Newfoundland families, close family friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched, whether in the port of Trepassey, among neighbors, or colleagues.

We will fondly remember José for his "being walked" by his four-legged friend Sam, his less-than-stellar renditions of "Happy Birthday" in Portuguese, and his aversion to any kind of vegetable. His presence at the dining room table and in the "Garden" will be sorely missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, and living in the moment will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

We will raise a glass to you, José. You have taught us well.