Joe Machado

1928 - 2017

After a very full and active life, the Lord called Joe A. Machado home at the age of 89. Joe passed away on the morning of Tuesday, November 21, 2017 in Merced, California. Joe was born on July 14, 1928 to Antonio and Anna Machado in Modesto, California. Joe was raised in Turlock and attended school in Hilmar, graduating from Hilmar High School in 1948. He met the love of his life Laura Coelho and they married on November 24, 1951.
Joe was a long-time dairyman and farmer. Joe, along with his younger brothers Manuel and Tony Machado started their first dairy in Chowchilla, California. Later, Joe would start his own dairy in Merced on Buhach Road. After a few years, he would settle his dairy and farming operation on Henry Street.
As a dairyman, Joe served on the California Milk Advisory Board from 1974-1989 and was a long-time member of the Farm Bureau. Joe received the Agribusiness Committee of Merced County Livestock/Dairy Farmer of the Year Award at the annual Farm City Banquet. For many years, Joe served as a judge of the Merced County Fair Milk Quality Contest. He was also honored with numerous awards within the dairy industry.
Proud of his Portuguese heritage, Joe was a member of numerous Portuguese fraternal organizations including: The Portuguese Fraternal Society of America where he served as S.E.S. Supreme President from 1987-88, Luso American Fraternal Federation and Cabrillo Club #30 of Hilmar. He was always proud to support and attend Portuguese festa celebrations throughout California.
In the community, Joe was actively involved in many organizations including: Merced Elks Lodge, BPOE 1240 where he was named Elk of the Year 2011-2012; Young Men's Institute; Eagles Club; Club Mercedes; Knights of Columbus; Trade Club and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy/St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Joe was awarded the American Legion Riders Certificate of Appreciation and honored by the Merced County Old Timers Association.
Over the last few years Joe kept busy with his wood working projects, building hundreds of model wagons, barns and churches. He loved to travel and had the opportunity to take many trips overseas and traveled throughout the state of California. He enjoyed visiting casinos and trying his luck on slot machines. Joe was fondly known as the "silver dollar man," as he would go to great lengths to keep a well-stocked supply of silver dollars. He greeted every child he met with a shiny silver dollar.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Anna Machado and brother Manuel Machado.
Joe is survived by his wife of 66 years, Laura and four children; Tony J. Machado (Lorraine) of Merced, Rosemary Souza (John), Linda Hill and Janet Deal (Brad) all of Turlock. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Carolina Machado Evangelo (Tony), Sarah Machado, Jennifer Machado Robbins (Jason), Theresa Machado Waymire (Brian), Johnny Souza (Vashti), Steven Souza (Brittney), Laura Souza, Bryan Hill, Ransom Deal, Haylee Allison (Garret) and Della Logan (Justin). He was also the proud great-grandfather of Makayla Robbins, Anthony James Machado Waymire, Lauren Souza, Erin Hamby and Sebastian Souza-Reed.
Joe is also survived by his four sisters; Mary Cardoza (Manuel), Theresa Alves, Annie Trinta (Tony), all of Patterson; Francis Schmidt (Bill) of Winton and a brother Tony Machado of Chowchilla.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Ivers and Alcorn Funeral Home, 901 W. Main Street, Merced, California. A Catholic Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 671 E. Yosemite Avenue, Merced, California, followed by a Catholic Burial at Evergreen Memorial Park, 1480 "B" Street, Merced, California.
To honor Joe A. Machado's memory, donations can be made to Valley Children's Healthcare Foundation, 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera, California 93636-8762 or a charity of your choice.
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