Obituary of Joao J. Jesus

Joao J. Jesus, 70, of Lynn, lost his courageous battle to cancer on Sunday, May 17, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Maria (Pereira) Jesus of 45 years. Joao was born in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal on April 14, 1945, son of the late Joao de Jesus Peixoto and Maria da Conceicao (dos Remedios) Peixoto. He was raised and educated in Portugal until immigrating to the United States 46 years ago. For many years, Joao worked for Travel Leather in Peabody, but his true passion had always been soccer, especially his favorite team Sporting Clube de Portugal. As a goalie, Joao excelled at protecting the net, almost playing professionally, but chose to be a family man instead. In addition to soccer he enjoyed fishing, a favorite past time spent with his family and friends. He also loved sitting around the table over a deck of cards or a game of dominoes with the people he cared for the most. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, the Azorean Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Ghost, Clube de Luis Camoes, and the Portuguese American War Veterans Post No. 1, all in Peabody. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Jeffrey & Ashley Jesus of Peabody, John & Dawn Jesus of NH, Charles Jesus of Lynn, Elizabeth & Peter D’Amico of Peabody; 12 Grandchildren, 1 Great-grandchild; his siblings, Maria Sciara of NH, Maria Machado of FL, and the late; Maria Ponte. In addition to those listed, he is survived by his brothers-in-law, Antonio, Floriano, Jose, John, Eduardo, Herculano, Nicolino Pereira and their wives,the late Carlos and Emmanuel, and sister-in-law Rosa Carroca and her husband. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral will be held on Friday, May 22 at 9:45 AM at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Walsh Ave., Peabody at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.