José Marques Moreira

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jose "Joe" Marques Moreira, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world on April 2, 2025. Joe lived a life rich in love, laughter, and devotion, and his memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

Born in Eixo, Aveiro, in Portugal, on March 18, 1945, Joe's early years were marked by adventure and service. He proudly served as a Military Police officer in the Portuguese Airforce, where he spent time in Mozambique and Angola. This experience shaped his character, instilling in him a sense of duty, discipline, and respect for resources – he was never a wasteful man.

He was truly crazy for his wife, Maria Lurdes aka Nica, and he chased her until she finally said "yes" to marriage. Their love story is a beautiful testament of devotion and partnership, during good times and bad, and together they built a family filled with the joy they found in their everyday lives.

Joe was a devoted family man, deeply committed to his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He cherished moments spent with Ana, Sandra, and Teresa, their daughters, imparting wisdom, craziness, laughter, and unconditional love. As a grandfather, he adored his grandchildren, always eager to share in their joy and create lasting memories.

A true lover of nature, Joe found great pleasure in working in his garden. He had a special fondness for flowers, particularly roses, which he would lovingly bring into the home to place in a vase before the Blessed Mother statue. This simple yet profound act reflected his deep faith and devotion.

With a heart full of humor, Joe had a gift for making people laugh. As he got older in life, his family and friends laughed with him on his “grumpy old man” antics. He loved inviting friends and family over for picnics featuring his famous fish fry, where the laughter flowed as freely as the food. Swimming and family beach vacations were among his favorite pastimes, where he created cherished memories with his loved ones.

Joe embraced a simple life, finding happiness in everyday moments. He was a good father and husband, a dedicated church-going man, and a friend who uplifted those around him. His integrity and humility were evident in all he did, and he will always be remembered and loved.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Teresa, as well as his two older brothers, Al and Jack, and two older sisters, Ruth and Adelaide, who remain in our hearts. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Maria Lurdes, two remaining daughters, Ana Moreira and Sandra Moreira Brooks, his two sons-in-law, Benjamin Graham and Ed Brooks, two grandsons, Austin Brooks and Brandon Brooks, and granddaughter, Lillian Brooks, who was “his girl.”

Visitation will be held on April 12, 2025, at Radel Funeral Home from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, and then a funeral mass will be held at St. Lawrence church at 10:30 am. We invite all who knew him to share their memories and honor the impact he had on our lives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to City Gospel Mission (https://www.citygospelmission.org) in his memory.

Rest in peace, dear Joe. Your spirit will live on in the hearts of your family and friends, guiding us with your love and laughter. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

And from your daughters, one final “we love you Paizinho!”