Jose Melo

José Maria Aguiar Melo, age 81, from East Providence R.I, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 1, 2025.   

Born on May 1, 1944, and raised in São Miguel, Açores. José was the late son of Joaquim De Sousa Melo and Maria De Lourdes Aguiar both from Sao Miguel, Açores. José married to his wife Maria De Luz Melo in East Providence, R.I. since 1979. Together, they raised their son Joseph A. Melo (Maria Etelvina Melo) and daughter Ann M. Sandoval (René A. Sandoval). José leaves behind his greatest pride, his grandchildren, Jacob Sandoval, Joshua Sandoval, Roman Melo, Julian Melo, Sophia Sandoval, Stella Melo, Serena Sandoval.   

Dear brother of Maria Otilia Ochoa and Maria Celeste Raposo and predeceased by his brother Joaquim Melo, sister Maria Lourdes Aguiar Melo Viveiros and brothers-in-law. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  

José was a devoted Roman Catholic and made a commitment to participate in the Catholic Seminary in Terceira, Açores and Lisbon, Portugal. Throughout his life, it was important for José to help those in need and support multiple charities and organizations. José then served as a Lieutenant in the Portuguese Army from 1967 to1971 and was a veteran of the Portuguese Colonial War.  

In 1972, José immigrated to the United States, where he continued to pursue his career in the health field and then retired as a Nursing Assistant. José enjoyed many hobbies including reading, writing poetry and Fado Português. In his youth, he enjoyed playing soccer and was an avid fan of the Sporting Clube de Portugal.  

Family and friends may pay their respects at Rebello Funeral Home, 901 Broadway, East Providence on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 8:30am to 9:45am, followed by a Catholic mass at 10:00am at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence. 

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