January 24, 1936 - July 9, 2020.
Herminio Joaquim Maria, dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on July 9, 2020 at the age of 84.
Herminio was born on January 24, 1936 in Ribeira de Cima, Porto de Mós, Portugal to Joaquim Maria and Isaura de Piedade. He was one of six children, the eldest son with two younger brothers and three sisters. Herminio, along with his brother Albino Maria, now deceased, left Portugal for Brazil in search of a better life. After a short time, Herminio left on his own for Canada in search of better work prospects. After some time, Herminio returned to Portugal to marry his childhood sweetheart, Maria Olivia Confeiteiro. On October 2, 1966, Herminio and Olivia were wed in a memorable triple wedding along with two of Olivia’s sisters and their grooms in Porto de Mós, Portugal. A few months later, Herminio and Olivia emigrated to the United States. They settled in Yonkers, New York where they started their family of three daughters. Herminio was known as a very hard worker and was employed for many years at General Motors in Tarrytown, NY before retiring in 1990. Herminio was one not to stay still. He was always working on improvements of his properties usually figuring out things on his own along the way, which was a testament to his strong will, intelligence and courageousness. He would also help anyone in need with their own homes, never accepting or asking for anything in return. Wanting the very best for his daughters and their future, Herminio would also look for supplemental jobs like groundskeeping, custodial work and other part-time work. Herminio, also at one time owned a liquor store in Mount Vernon, NY, for a number of years. All his business ventures were in the hopes of providing a good life for his family, which he did so successfully. Although Herminio had left his hometown for the United States, his heart always longed for his homeland and family he had left behind. It was the love for his native Portugal that compelled him to be a strong part of building a new center for the Yonkers Portuguese American Club. It did not sit well with him that there was for some time, no place the association could call home. Many a Sunday in the mid to late 1980's, Herminio and a good colleague of his would visit Portuguese Americans of Yonkers asking for donations for the new center. He would also help to organize many different social events at different rented locations to help in the raising of funds for the new center. Herminio was especially gifted in running auctions at these events which would always yield good returns. He at one time, even removed the tie he was wearing and auctioned it for a few hundred dollars. The new center was ceremoniously inaugurated in October 1986. Herminio went on to serve as President of the Yonkers Portuguese American Community Center in 1988. Herminio was an avid fan of the soccer team of his homeland, SL Benfica. He was also a hockey fan, favoring the New York Rangers. He loved to recount stories of his different life adventures, missed working on the farms of his hometown, loved hearing the sounds of the accordion instrument as well as dancing to marchas and balsas and becoming tearful when listening to fados. Herminio also loved growing tomatoes in his garden for many years and making a good strong red wine in his wine cellar. Herminio is survived by his loving wife, Olivia Confeiteiro Maria of Yonkers NY. He is also survived by his daughters, Paula Maria Silva, former son-in-law Jose Silva and their children, beloved grandchildren John, Cristina and Olivia, his daughter Silvia De Rosa, son-in-law Jeff De Rosa and their children, beloved granddaughters Giana and Jenna and his daughter Izoura Maria. He also leaves behind his youngest sister, Emilia Calado of Porto de Mós as well as many dear brothers and sister-in-laws and nephews and nieces. Herminio's life was a testament to his love and sacrifice for family as well as a love for his native country, Portugal. He was a shining example of a hard worker and courageous provider for which his family will be eternally grateful.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.
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