Joao Faria Goncalves

Joao (John) Manuel Faria Goncalves passed away peacefully at home in Tulare, California, surrounded by his loving family, on October 5, 2025. He was 67 years old. He came into this world, also at home, in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores in 1958. He was the second of eight children born to the late Pedro Viera and Virginia Rocha Goncalves. In 1974, at the age of 15, like many families at the time, his family immigrated to the United States, from Biscoitos, Azores, and lived and worked on dairy farms throughout Tulare County for many years. Inspired by his own father's entrepreneurial spirit in the Azores, and without much more than a hope and a dream, in around 1988 he started the business J&J Welding and Construction. His business became successful and many dairy farms in Tulare County and its surrounding counties still have his fingerprints on them through the welding and dairy construction services he provided. His idea of retirement was to become a truck driver in 2021 and worked for a few companies ending his career with Turning Leaf Organic Company in 2023. John 's work ethic was exceptional, and he was the embodiment of the American dream. He was generous and had a special place in his heart for helping anyone who was trying to better themselves no matter their past or other circumstances, he was a true believer in second chances. In addition to the fruits his work provided, what also made it fulfilling for him, was that in agriculture he saw God in everything. In the brilliance of nature and its efficiency, in the way it fed humanity, and then what humanity did with it. For him, this is where he related with God alongside his Catholic faith and he kept a prayerful life. In his spare time he enjoyed; playing cards at the Tulare Angrense Athletic Club, spending time with friends (some of whom referred to him as "Johnny 6") traveling to the Central Coast and Washington state for leisure and fishing trips with his family, and in his younger years, playing soccer for a local soccer league, riding ATVs, hunting, and participating in Portuguese Dancas. He loved watching soccer, especially Porto, and enjoyed watching football as a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His proudest accomplishment and the legacy he wanted and should be most be remembered for was in everything he provided for his family and friends. For all the love, wisdom, and other gifts he gave to them. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years Brenda Goncalves, their children, Albert Justin (AJ) Goncalves and Julia Lynn Goncalves; two older children; Kathleen Ayers (husband John Brian) and John Faria Goncalves Jr. He is also survived by his grandson, John Patrick Ayers; his siblings Pedro (Peter) Goncalves; Joe Goncalves (Anna); Phyllis Garcia (Joe); Anna Paula Garza (Noe); and Diane Goncalves. He is survived by the abundant blessing of many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 East Pleasant Avenue, Tulare
Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 East Pleasant Avenue, Tulare, with burial at North Tulare Public Cemetery, 4462 North J Street, Tulare
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Joao Faria Goncalves, please visit our floral store.