Joe Eugene Sequeira

Our beloved Joe Eugene Sequeira was born on July 9, 1946, in Dos Palos, California. He passed away at his home in Madera, California, on February 11, 2026, at the age of 79. We are deeply grateful to Compassionate Care Hospice for the love and support they gave him and our family during such a difficult time.

Joe was the only son born to Joe and Constance Sequeira. He joined his three sisters, Marilu, Evelyn, and Shirley, and was spoiled by them all. From a very young age, it was clear he was meant to be a farmer. At the age of 11 while driving a tractor down Willis Road in Dos Palos, pulling a hay rake, he was struck from behind by a car. Miraculously, he survived. God clearly had a greater purpose for him - a life devoted to working the land and helping provide food for others. He attended Dos Palos Elementary and Dos Palos High School.

At just 15 years old, he began his first farming venture hauling and delivering hay with his brother-in-law, Eddie Mello. After marrying the love of his life, Sharon Sequeira, in 1967, he went into farming full-time with his father. For 62 years, farming was not just his career - it was his calling. He was innovative and forward-thinking, becoming one of the first farmers to implement a water return system on his farm at a time when water conservation was becoming critically important. He was also the first in the Central Valley to grow a specialty corn for the Corn Nut Company. He took pride in staying ahead, not for recognition, but because he cared deeply about doing things right. Joe had an incredible mechanical mind. He could tear a tractor down to its smallest pieces and put it back together again better than before. He even built his own roadster - a true testament to his skill, patience, and determination. If something broke, he didn't replace it - he fixed it.

Joe loved guns, riding motorcycles, water skiing, spending time with family, and car racing. But his greatest joy was teaching his children and grandchildren. He showed them how to drive cars and tractors, work on harrow beds, and handle whatever the ranch required. More importantly, he taught them that hard work, persistence, and integrity could build a meaningful life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Constance Sequeira, and his sisters, Evelyn Vincent and Shirley Johnson. He is survived by his sister Marilu Pamplona, his wife Sharon, their children Julie, Larry, and Richard, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A rosary vigil service will be held at Holy Spirit Church on Wednesday March 4th, 2026, at 9:30 with a funeral mass to follow immediately, 355 E. Champlain Drive, Fresno, CA. Burial will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 South Cornelia Avenue/Whitesbridge/180 Highway, Fresno, CA.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.