Obituary of Joao C. DaRocha

Joao C. DaRocha, 76, of Peabody, passed away Saturday afternoon at the NSMC-Salem Hospital following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Maria C. Castanheira, with who he shared 55 years of marriage. Joao was born on January 9, 1942, in Vilela de Lages, Cabana Maior, Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal, son of the late Manuel Lopes DaRocha and Maria Dias Castanheira. He was raised and educated there and also went on to serve in Portuguese Military during the Angola conflict. He then moved to France for 3 years, then New York City for 12 years, and finally making his home in Peabody. Prior to his retirement, he worked for the leather industry in Peabody, but was baker by trade. He also worked with his son for 10 years, which he enjoyed and bonded them closer together. He also liked watching his favorite soccer team, Benfica, and traveling back to Portugal, including the trip he took with his son, Manuel. What he valued most was his family, even bringing his entire family, immediate and extended, to the United States. He also had a caring, selfless, charitable way about him, every Friday, he would bring his granddaughters, Emma and Olivia, some fruits and yogurt, which may not seem like much, but that was what he had, and made sure they were taken care of. Regardless of what obstacles he had to conquer, family was second to none. He will be missed for the caring, loving, devoted person he truly was. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at NSMC- Salem Hospital Intensive Care Unit, for their exceptional care. Besides his loving wife of 55 years, he is survived by a son and his wife, Manuel DaRocha and Liane Irons of Marblehead; his grandchildren, Manny DaRocha of Boston, and Olivia and Emma DaRocha of Marblehead; his siblings; Armando DaRocha and Helena Esteves, both of Portugal, and many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and especially the Gomes family and Rosie Silvie Peguero. A visitation will be held on Sunday October 28, from 2-6PM. at the Conway, Cahill- Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. Peabody. His funeral will be held on Monday, October 29 at 10AM the funeral home, followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Walsh Ave., Peabody at 11 A.M. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Memorial contributions may be made is his name to Haven from Hunger, 71 Wallis St., Peabody, MA 01960.