Joseph Luis Paiva

Joseph Luis Paiva, age 76, of Fall River passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at Charlton Memorial Hospital surrounded by his spouse and daughters. He was the beloved husband of Delia Maria (Botelho) Paiva, with whom he shared 52 years.

Born in Capelas, Sao Miguel, Azores, he was a son of the late Jose and Maria de Lourdes (Sousa) Paiva.

Joseph was a devoted communicant of Santo Christo Parish, where he generously shared his time and talents, especially through cooking for parish dinners and feasts over many years. Before building his life in the United States, he proudly served in the Portuguese Army. He went on to work in construction with Green Acres, dedicating many years to his craft before retiring in 2013.

A true handyman, Joseph had a remarkable ability to create and fix just about anything, often turning the simplest materials into something meaningful. Known for his lively spirit, he was often the heart of any gathering, always ready with a joke or a story to bring laughter to those around him.

He was a passionate supporter of Benfica soccer and found joy in life’s simple pleasures—fishing, tending to his garden, and playing cards and dominoes with family and friends.

Above all, Joseph cherished his family. His love for them was constant and unwavering, and he was always there when he was needed most. His priority was to always ensure his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were safe and always had what they needed. This is what gave him the will to continue fighting for as long as he did.

Along with his wife, he leaves his three daughters, Deborah Fontes of Fall River, Monica Tavares and her fiancé, Michael DeCoffe of Fairhaven and Michelle Galvao and her husband Joseph of Swansea; ten grandchildren, Raven Thompson, Tyson “TJ” Thompson, Britney Paiva-Fontes, Emaly Paiva-Fontes, Alexia Paiva-Fontes, Nicolas Fontes, Nathan Tavares, Colin Tavares, Ava Galvao and Abigail Galvao; his great grandchildren, Jayden Garrafa, Chloe Carvalho and Bella Garrafa; his siblings, Gloria Viveiros of Westport, Gabriel (Ilda) Camara of Dartmouth, Anterio (Filomena) Paiva of Dartmouth, Alberto (Nelly) Paiva of Dartmouth, Arthur (MaryJo) Paiva of Westport, Armindo Paiva of Fall River, Liberta Chaves of Fall River and Mario (Lee) Paiva of Fall River; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Charlton Memorial Hospital and South Coast Oncology for their compassionate care and support during Joseph’s battle with cancer. Above all they thank Teresa Ferreira NP, Prima Care, for the years of unfaltering support and guidance.

His funeral will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, at 8:30 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River, MA, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Santo Christo Parish, Columbia Street, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.