Joao Fraga

Joao Fraga was born to Joao and Maria Candida Fraga on February 13, 1926 in Ribeirinha, Terceira, Acores. He passed away at the age of 84 on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. At the age of 18 he met the love of his life Maria de Jesus Gomes. He began courting her in May of 1944 and shortly thereafter he entered into the Portuguese military. After serving a full term he returned and married his sweet heart on June 13, 1953. Together they had four children and fifty seven wonderful years of marriage. They came to the United States in 1968 with the hope of a better life for their family. He began working as a dairyman and then retired from DCCA Dairyman's Creamery in 1991. Not only was he a well respected and liked member of the Portuguese community, he was also a proud and active member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, CPEC, Portuguese Center, Tulare Angrense Athletic Club, where he has been a member since 1973. He was a devoted Catholic whose highlight of the week was Sunday lunches at home with his family right after church. Joao was known to all as a jack- of - all trades, knowledgeable in anything and everything from electrical work to carpentry. His true passions were working in his garden in the back yard, building toys for his grandchildren, and spending time with his family. In addition to his wife of fifty seven years Maria de Jesus, he is survived by two sons, John and Tony Fraga, two daughters and son in laws, Mary and Robert Leonardo, and Maria and Quinn Freitas. He had ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Francisco and Jose and two sisters Belmira and Elvira, all of which reside in Riberinha, Terceria, Acores. He also had several brothers and sisters in laws along with many nieces and nephews. He will always and forever be on our minds and in our hearts. Visitation will be on Monday, January 17, 2010, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm at Miller's Tulare Funeral Home, 151 North "H" Street, Tulare, CA. Recitation of the Rosary and Mass of the Resurrection will be on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 10:30 am at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 E. Pleasant Ave., Tulare, CA., with burial at the Tulare District Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.