Obituary of John F. Raposo

John F. Raposo MIDDLETON--John F. Raposo, 66, beloved husband of Zilda (Martins) Raposo of Middleton, died peacefully on Sunday September 16, 2012 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center Hospital in Burlington while in the comforting presence of his family. Born in St. Michael, Azores, Portugal, he was the son of the late Mariano and Encarnacao (Ferreira) Raposo. He lived there as a young boy, then came to the United States at age 11. He settled in Peabody with his family where he attended schools, and graduated from Peabody High School. He entered into the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, and was stationed on a Submarine. He remained with the Naval Reserves for three years after the war. Mr. Raposo enjoyed a 33 year career in communications. He was a Central Office Computer Switchman Operator, starting with New England Telephone and retiring with Verizon. John was a member of the Portuguese-American War Veterans Post 1 in Peabody, the Holy Ghost Society, and the Telephone Pioneers Club. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe, where he could visit historical landmarks and appreciate the beautiful architecture. He was happiest being outdoors tending to his landscaping, spending time with his grandchildren, and following the stock market. He is survived by his wife, Zilda (Martins) Raposo of Middleton, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage; a son John & his wife Jacquie Raposo of North Andover and a daughter, Jacqueline Raposo & her partner Jaime Este-McDonald of Peabody; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Luke and Isabella Raposo all of Peabody, and Noah Este-McDonald of Peabody; two sisters, Maria Oliveira and Conceicao Silva both of Peabody, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death, besides his parents, by a brother Mariano Raposo and sister Elvira Figueira. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Thursday September 20, 2012 at 9 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5 – 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Cremation will follow the Mass. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.