Joe da Rocha Labandeira, born on November 3, 1928 in Riberinha, Terceira, Azores passed away peacefully on November 21, 2021 in Fresno, CA at the age of 93 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Antonio da Rocha and Faustina Candida (Silva) Labandeira, loving wife, Maria T. Labandeira, Brothers: Antonio Labendeira wife Rose, John Labandeira wife Conceicao, Francisco Labandeira, Sisters: Faustina Trovao, Eugenia Rodrigues, Maria Parreira, Carminha Rebelo.
He is survived by his daughters: Maria Macedo - husband Joe, Fatima Berlak - husband Gary, Avelena Labrie - husband Michael, Grandchildren: Elizabeth (Macedo) Cole - husband Neil, David Macedo – wife Erin, Haley Berlak, Kyle Labrie – wife Kristin, and Kristen (Labrie) Guynes – husband Jerry as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He also belonged to the Luso-America and PFSA – Portuguese Fraternal Society of American. He became a Naturalized United States citizen on July 30, 2001. He worked 28 years as a dairy milker for Koller Dairy, retiring in 1990.
He enjoyed all the time spent with the St Jude’s Portuguese Bible Study group in their monthly meetings and on numerous trips throughout the state of California. He loved playing his guitar with family and friends as well as played at numerous Portuguese functions throughout the state of California.
We would like to give a special thanks to our father’s caregivers Laura and Linda from Geriatric Caregivers. They went above and beyond caring for our father.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.
