Joe Berbereia Coelho

Joe Bebereia Coelho, nickname Cara Suja, was born June 21, 1940, on the island of Terceira in the Azores. He came from humble beginnings and worked menial jobs for little pay to help his family as much as he could. He came to the realization that his dreams of a better life could not be met in Terceira. He told his Father he needed to go to America and would do it with or without his family. His Father made that dream happen and brought the family to the United States.

Upon arriving in America Joe and his father secured a job working on a dairy farm in Tipton, California. He worked grueling hours, seven days a week ten-hour shifts. He soon came to the realization that if all he could see of America was the inside of a barn he wanted to go home. Things did improve as he moved to Orange County hoping for greater opportunities. He continued working on a dairy farm for more money and better benefits.

In 1963 he went back to Terceira for a vacation where he met the love of his life Mary. They saw each other from across the way at a bullfight. After several attempts, they finally met and he swept her off her feet. They married soon after. Joe and Mary were married for fifty-nine years just four months shy of their sixtieth anniversary.

Joe still strived for a better life and landed a job with Vons warehouse as a teamster employee. Due to a more stable schedule, he was able to assist the community as a volunteer firefighter. In the process, he expanded his English writing and speaking skills. Due to his hard work and perseverance, he worked his way up to director of the Vons grocery warehouse. He retired young and dedicated himself to his real estate investments and to his community. He committed his time to Luso American Society and proudly served as president in 2005. He also donated his time to the Portuguese community by volunteering at the D.E.S Portuguese Hall. It was very important to help the Portuguese community but considered himself a very proud American. With his retirement, he had numerous opportunities to travel with Mary and his friends.

Joe and Mary had three children Alice (Chuck) Berringer, Joseph (Rebekah) Coelho, and Marie (Ryan) Hanley. They had nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Joe was extremely proud of his family and took great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joe was a lifelong Catholic and loved and lived his faith. It’s with heavy hearts that we released him to God. His love and our memories will sustain us. He would not want us to grieve heavily, but live our life to the fullest as he is known to say “Life is Good.”