Joao Lucas Neves, age 87, of Hilmar, California passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at his home in Hilmar. He was born September 12, 1933 in Vila Nova, Terceria, Azores to Filomena do Coracåo Jesus Azevedo and Manuel Lucas Das Neves.
Joao is survived by: his wife of 60 years, Maria Fatima Neves of Hilmar; daughter Izilda Arruda (Carlos) of Hilmar; daughter Fatinha Pires (Joe) of Hilmar; daughter Grace Kirkendall (Scott) of Riverside, California; grandchilren: Michelle Pires, Myles Arruda, Kevin Arruda, Mason Pires, Monica Pires, Johnny Kirkendall; and great-grandchildren Jack Pires, Amelia Pires. Survived by brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Manuel Lucas Das Neves and Filomena do Coracåo Jesus Azevedo; a grandson Michael Pires, brothers Francisco Lucas, Manuel Lucas Valadao, Jose Lucas Neves, sisters Filomena do Coracao de Jesus, Paulina Lima and Maria Toste.
Joao married Fatima Gaspar in 1961, and started his family. He had 3 daughters; Izilda, Fatinha, and Grace. They moved to the United States in 1978 to Crescent City California. A few years later, they moved to Hilmar, California and bought their first home. This is where his love for gardening started. He loved his Portuguese culture and he loved to joke around with his grandkids. He would donate his time by helping out at the Portuguese Festas. Above all, he loved his grandkids, wife, and daughters.
He was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Hilmar.
Joao is preceded in death by his father Manuel Lucas Das Neves, mother Filomena do Coracåo Jesus Azevedo, and grandchild Michael Pires.
A Visitation for Joao will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380.
A Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass will occur at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 8471 Cypress Street, Hilmar, CA 95324. Following is the Committal Service at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 North Soderquist Road, Turlock, CA 95380.
Services for Joao Lucas Neves are in the care of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD 504) in Turlock, California.
