Joe S. Lema

1931 - 2014

Joe Souza Lema
01-03-1931 - 07-22-2014
 
 
Joe Lema passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 surrounded by his family. 
Joe was born in Los Banos and raised in Livingston.  He graduated from Livingston High School and was proud of his athletic achievements and his team records. His high school friendships lasted throughout his life.  After high school he served in the US Air Force.  Upon the death of his father, he returned to Livingston to help run his family dairy.  In 1951 he married his high school sweet heart Dorothy June Frade.  They raised their two children Greg and Laurie in Los Banos. He worked as a salesman for a local beer distributorship and eventually became a regional manager in Merced.  During his career he spent many weekends working at community events including the Portuguese celebrations.  He had a strong work ethic and understood the importance of building relationships in the community. 
Joe was a devoted and loving father and grandfather.  His grandchildren were very special to him.  He was actively involved in their daily lives including attended their games, dance recitals and school activities.
Joe enjoyed playing softball up to the age of 83. He also enjoyed fishing with his local buddies and taking his annual salmon fishing trip to the Trinity River for over 25 years.  During these fishing trips, Joe established friends and created family memories that lasted a lifetime.  His traveling adventures with family and friends took him to Alaska, Hawaii, Portugal, Mexico, and many states throughout the U.S. 
Joe was a very active member of many clubs including the Eagles and Elks Clubs, Native Sons, Young Men's Institute and American Legion. 
Joe is survived by his wife Dorothy Lema to whom he was married for 63 years, his son Greg Lema, daughter Laurie Lema and son-in-law Larry Areias, granddaughter Rikki Lema, grandson Joseph Lema, brother John Lema, sister Willie Burke and many nieces and nephews. 
Joe was proceded in death by his parents, John Lema and Elvida Lema Barcellos, and his sister Mary Lema.    
Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Saint Anthony's Catholic Church, at the corner of 1999 W. Juniper Ave and Winton Way, Atwater CA 95301. Burial will follow at the Winton Cemetery in Winton.    
In lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to the Eagles Scholarship in care of Joe Lema at 4022 Glendale Court, Merced, CA 95348. 
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