Joaquim Neto was born in Serra de Bouro, Portugal. During his youth,
he completed commercial school in "Escola Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro" in
Caldas Da Rainha. He was Secretary of the "Junta da freguesia" of Serra
Do Bouro until he joined the Portuguese Air force at 18 years of age. At
age 24, he emigrated to the United States, seeking more opportunity
and a better quality of life. He was married in September of 1959 to a
young woman who had emigrated from Cuba. He moved to Yonkers in
the 1960's and worked most of his life in General Motor Corporation in
Tarrytown, New York. Missing his homeland, he and his wife became
active members of the Portuguese club in Yonkers. Joaquim always felt
it important to remain true to one's roots and was actively involved to
make a difference. Hence, during the 1980's when the Yonkers club
needed a home, Joaquim assumed the position of Vice president of
Yonkers Portuguese Club. As part of a group of talented and dedicated
Portuguese friends committed to a common cause, he was involved in a
successful but arduous campaign to raise funds to build a Portuguese
club in Yonkers. Through the help of many Luso-Americans in Yonkers
and Westchester, the new Portuguese club of Yonkers came into
existence in 1986 with Joaquim at the forefront as their elected
president. After a small hiatus, Joaquim again resumed his presidency
in 1989 to continue rebuilding the community center. During the few
years following, he joined the Lions Club and also became an active
participant of the Portuguese civic association in which he was named
Man of the year. In 2018, as he approached the end of his life, he was
present to receive a lifetime achievement award. He knew this was the
last time he would be joining his Portuguese community and therefore
he made a valiant effort to attend. His exemplary life filled with love of
family, friends and community will always be remembered in the hearts
of so many who had the honor of knowing him. Visiting hours will be at
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Sunday 2-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial
will be celebrated in St. Mary's Church on Monday July 30th at 10am.
Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home
168 Park Ave.
Yonkers, N.Y. 10703
(914)965-5488
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