José E. Barcelos

José Enes Barcelos, 89, of Lincoln, RI, passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

José was born on September 22nd, 1936, in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Açores, Portugal. In 1964 he embarked on a new journey, immigrating to the United States and settling in the city of Pawtucket, RI. In 1992, he proudly became an American citizen.

José carried his family traditions of the Açores throughout his life. He was known for raising rabbits, chickens, roosters, ducks, and goats. He taught his children to gather fresh eggs from the chicken coop and make goat cheese and linguiça from scratch. His grandchildren always looked forward to visiting the animals, especially on Easter Sunday to see the baby chicks. He enjoyed seeing their smiling faces and the excitement they had when visiting all of the animals. He had a special soft spot in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and lit-up whenever they visited.

José was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony's Church of Pawtucket, RI. In the 1960's, not able to speak English, he began sweeping floors for Mello Signs. Within a few years he worked his way up to becoming a member of Local Union 391 and a journeymen for Mello Signs, retiring in the early1990's. He was known for his hard-work, dedication, and attention to detail. Some of his former work was done for Adams Drug, Brooks Pharmacy, and Apex. If you were in the car with him, he would proudly point out some of his work. His creative work can still be seen throughout the state of RI; the lobster on the Captain Catch's building in North Providence and the Ocean State Job Lot sign in Lincoln. He was a soldier, Class of 1957 in the República Military of Açores, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Orlando da Silva Andrade.

He found enjoyment in many simple pleasures, such as cooking some of his favorite portuguese dishes, tending to his fruit trees and vegetable garden, listening to traditional Açores music (Fado) and some of the great oldies from the 1960's American singers, sitting by the wood stove, watching bull-fights, attending family gatherings, playing cards and dominos. His favorite fruit tree was figs. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing with his son. In his later years, he enjoyed pedicures and manicures with his daughter. José's greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren visits and telling stories of his childhood.

José shared his children, Joseph David Barcelos and Rita-Marie Samos, with his late ex-wife, Rita Cassia Costa. In addition to his children, José is survived by his son-in-law, James Robert Samos; his grandchildren, Corey Joseph Barcelos, Caterina Marie Furtado, Ariana Lee Barcelos, Alexander Joseph Furtado, Amanda Lee Barcelos, Elias James Samos, Coleton James Samos, Braydon James Samos; his greatgrandchildren, Isabel Grace Rocha, Lianna Marie Furtado, Nova Rose Odom, Gracelynn Marie Cuozzo, Isaac David Buckley, Carter Matthew Buckley, and Jace Christopher Buckley. Furthermore, José is one of 15 children. He is survived by his siblings, Arsenio Barcelos, Benjamin Barcelos, Arlete Gomes, and Egypsia Sousa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins across the US and Europe. He is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Machado Barcelos and Eleutéria de Sousa Enes, along with 10 of his siblings.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 28th, at 9:00 am from Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Saint Anthony's Church, 32 Lawn Avenue, Pawtucket. Burial will follow in Mount Saint Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For directions, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com