Joe D'Mello

Joe D'Mello, 73 years young, returned home to the Lord on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023. He was born on December 27, 1949, in Bombay, India to Simon and Maria Escolastica D'Mello. After his mother Maria Escolastica passed away when Joe was still a baby, Clotilda D'Mello lovingly assumed that role for him and his elder brother, Joslin, when she married their father Simon in 1956.
He grew up mostly in Goa, India, though he moved around quite a bit because of his father's employment. Joe was the 2nd of eight children and enjoyed playing sports. Cricket and football (soccer) were two of his favorites. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) and his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degrees through the University of Bombay, and then went on to work for multiple state government agencies in Goa. He married Gracy Sequeira in 1977 and had two sons, Sheldon and Elridge. In 1992 he took a job in the Middle East (Bahrain) then later spent a few years in the UK. After the birth of his first granddaughter, Isabelle, he decided to move to the US in 2011 to be closer to his sons and their growing families. He semi-retired in Cedar Park, enjoying his time as a dedicated Tutor at the local Kumon Math and Reading Center. Hobbies in his later years included gardening, going on walks, cooking, and most of all, tirelessly doting on his six grandchildren.
Of greatest importance to Joe, besides his family, was his relationship with God. His Catholic faith led him to live out a life of service to others, and the Church, exercising his energy in various ministries: Legion of Mary, Religious Education (R.E.) Catechist, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Eucharist, and Lector. He was admired by many for his great generosity, and he never compromised on his principles.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Gracy, and sons/daughters-in-law Sheldon/Nikki and Elridge/Valerie, and grandchildren Isabelle, Eusébio, Anora, Aurélia, Cruz and Savio. Joe is also survived by sisters Geraldine (late Primo), Bernadette (Satish), Marian (Joseph), Leonora (Marcos), and Elizabeth. In addition, he is survived by his mother-in-law Santaninha (late Lourenço), and in-laws Rose (late Joslin), Frank (Margaret), Emercy (Benny), Derick (Yuko), Claudette (Brian) and Matias, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
He was preceded in death by parents Simon, Maria Escolastica, and Clotilda, father-in-law Lourenço, as well as brothers Joslin and Fr. Jude SDB.
Joe has left a void in our lives but will forever remain in our hearts.