Joseph Thomas Mendonca, Jr.

Joseph T. Mendonca, age 89 of Dartmouth, MA passed away on April 21, 2025, six days short of his 90th birthday. He was born in New Bedford, MA to Joseph Mendonca and Dora (Darrington) Mendonca. He was the loving husband to Laurel (Gallop) Walker. He was also the brother of the late Nelson Mendonca and grandfather to the late Corey Policarpo.

A graduate of New Bedford High School and Bristol Community College, he also served in the United States Air Force. Employed by the former Commonwealth Gas Company and it’s predecessors for thirty years. He retired in 1993, due to health reasons.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five daughters and two sons, April Rump (Willie) of Fairhaven, Beth Mello (Tony) of Fairhaven, Cheryl Brine (Douglas) of Acushnet, Jennifer Almeida (Paul) Connecticut, Kelly Downing (Jon) of Hyannis, Steven Mendonca of Fairhaven and Ryan Mendonca (Megan) of New Hampshire. He is survived by thirteen grandchildren, Brandi, Wade, Cameron, Jaime, Thomas, Jessica, Alexandria, Noah, Nicholas, Lea, Abbigail, Luke and Della. Joe was also delighted to have 9 great grandchildren, Briana, Chase, Everett, Rowan, Harper, Aubrey Layla, Bryson, and Eloise.

“Red” as he was affectionately known by his family and many close friends, was loved by many nieces and nephews who brought him much joy and laughter; Cathy and Manny Medeiros of Dartmouth, Louie and Sue Mendonca of Florida, Kevin, Erin and Julia Hopkins of Virginia, John Berg of Rochester, Dawn Hart of Fairhaven and the Brandso boys, Morgan, Sondre, Grunde and Jarred, formerly of Dartmouth.

Red was a real family man. His enjoyment was always great when family was around. He loved the family get- togethers. He also loved taking the children to parks, zoos, baseball games or just ice-cream and pizza. He was quiet, fun loving, caring and considerate. He will never be forgotten and be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. For those who may wish to remember him in a special way, donations in his memory may be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, would be greatly appreciated