Jose Balanca, 73, of Acushnet, passed peacefully on Saturday October 2, 2021 surrounded by his family. Jose faced many complications following his surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is the beloved husband of Diamantina (Farias) Balanca.
Jose was born in Lomba do Botão Povoação on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. He is the son of the late Joao and Cecilia (Cardoso) Balanca. Jose moved to the United States following his service in the Portuguese Army. He was proud of his time spent in Mozambique and had many stories to share.
Mr. Balanca was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church where he proudly collected donations and offerings. He especially loved the Day of Portugal weekend where he would participate in the malasada fundraising sales. Returning to visit Sao Miguel was a trip he looked forward to on an annual basis.
Mr. Balanca worked many years for D’Agostino Masonry and was a carpenter by trade. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, his beautiful wife and especially loved being with his grandchildren. He was a founding member of New Bedford Sports Club. He loved a hot cup of coffee along with a good Chuck Norris film or the Weather Channel. When he wasn’t cheering for Benfica, he’d take his daily trip to Trucchis or Cumbys for coffee.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three daughters; Doreen Pacheco and her husband Richard of Acushnet, Nancy Amaral and her husband Paul of Acushnet, and Suzy Trahan and her companion Anton Lynch of Acushnet; a brother, Joao Balanca and his wife Donatilde of New Bedford; sister-in-law, Maria Ferreira Cardoso of New Bedford; brother-in-law, Jose Teixeira of New Bedford; grandchildren, Aiden Pacheco, Claudia Pacheco, Myra Amaral, Eli Amaral and Bryce Trahan; many godchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Ashton Amaral and brother of the late Antonio Cardoso and Irene Teixeira.
A visitation for Jose will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. His Livestream Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746. Burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, 1100 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rock-funeralhome.com for the Balanca family.
*To view Livestream Funeral Mass on Friday, October 8th at 10:30 a.m. please scroll to bottom of obituary page under Services and click Join Livestream next to the funeral mass information.
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