Jorge Joao Ribeiro

Oak Ridge – Jorge João Ribeiro, 84, passed away after a long fight with cancer on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Wesley Long Memorial Hospital with his daughter beside him.

Jorge was born in Portugal on May 21, 1941, to the late Manuel Mendes Ribeiro and Joaquina dos Santos Pires Ribeiro. In addition to his parents, 5 siblings preceded him in death.

Jorge moved to Angola at the age of 17 to work. Not long after, he enlisted in the Portuguese Army. While there, he fell in love with Angola and the way of life that included many adventures for a young man. Angola provided a strong Portuguese community, beautiful vistas, even a pet monkey, a baby elephant, many fishing adventures with friends on the rivers, close encounters with wild life, and a vibrant social life. During his enlistment he fought in the Angola War. At the end of his military duties, he was employed with the Portuguese Government.

Jorge and Laurencia were wed on News Year Eve, 1966, and lived together with their young daughter, Carla, in Angola until 1975. They moved to New Bedford Massachusetts where his Uncle Manny Santos lived with his wife, Mary and two sons, John and George. The Santos family were very instrumental in helping Jorge and his family. Laurencia worked in a textile mill, and Jorge obtained his GED and learned to speak English. He was employed as a Textile Loom Operator. He also painted homes and much later earned his certification in AC/Refrigeration. Regrettably, he suffered a traumatic accident while painting and fell 3 stories. Shattering his hip, leg, and foot. Times were very challenging for the family, but as the hard-working and resilient couple, they made the best of these trying times. In 1989, Jorge became a U.S Citizen, inspiring his daughter to do the same.

They longed to return to Portugal but chose to sacrifice that dream for their daughter's happiness. Instead, they renovated their existing family home in Portugal, in hopes of one day making it their home permanently.

After college, Carla moved to North Carolina and eventually Jorge and Laurencia decided it was best for them to be closer to their only child. They found employment and bought a home in North Carolina. In 2021, they finally retired (working into their 80's) and moved in with Carla, Sean and their two grandchildren, Brady and Bella.

Jorge enjoyed life's simple pleasures. Portuguese Soccer and Cristiano Ronaldo. Tending to his vegetable garden, planting tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli rabe, and pruning his fig trees. They Facetimed together with family and friends from afar to keep in touch. Jorge was very close to his nieces and nephews and was always calling and checking on them. Jorge enjoyed going to the Sportscenter Athletic Club, where he rode the bike, swam in the pool, and made friends in the hot tub. When his health deteriorated, he gave up his gym workouts and began taking walks with his wife, always outpacing her with his cane. They both enjoyed listening to Portuguese politics and watching their RTP Portuguese TV Station.

Jorge was always great with his hands and could fix anything and solve any problem. He was resourceful and worked hard. He was a great friend and could remember obscure details about everyone. His mind was always sharp even until the end. He often listened more than he spoke. He loved to kid around and had the best jokes. He was so witty! His cheerful and easygoing personality made it easy to make friends.

In his final season of life, we witnessed the impact he had on the lives of others. Including the oncology staff at the Cancer Center on Williard Dairy Rd in High Point. His fortitude was inspiring. Unimaginable courage. Unfortunately, this was one problem he could not fix with his own hands, but these struggles only refined and amplified his character. He showed us time and time again his will to fight and persevere with dignity, charm, always with a bit of humor and a sweet smile. His legacy will carry on in his daughter, grandchildren and nieces and nephews and those who revered him. His death is a great loss, especially for Laurencia, his wife of 60 years. They crossed oceans and continents with each other. His strength is a testament to his love for his family. His kindness, charm, and generosity will leave a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. We may never be the same without him, but we take great comfort from the fact that he is no longer suffering. We rest in the promise of a restored body and mind and the knowledge that we will be reunited. Someday, we will find Jorge strolling through heaven's gardens, tending to the fig trees. Oh what a day that will be!

Jorge is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maria Laurencia Almeida Ribeiro; daughter, Carla Ribeiro Stowers and her husband, Sean; grandchildren, Brady Stowers and Isabella Stowers; also, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be truly missed by family and friends.

A Eulogy and Memorial Mass will be held at 2:20 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church located at 2203 W. Market Street in Greensboro. The family will greet friends following the Mass in the Parrish Hall. Please be aware that the Catholic School will be releasing students around the time of service and you may want to plan ahead due to the car pick up line. If you find yourself in traffic, simply move to the left lane to get around school traffic and then take a right onto S. Chapman St. Parking is available in the S. Chapman St. lot, as well as street parking. Please enter church via the main doors facing Market. St.

Condolences may be shared on Jorge's tribute page at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point is assisting the family.