Joseph Domingues

Reverend Joseph Domingues was born on April 12, 1935, in Fall River, Massachusetts, the third youngest of ten children in a vibrant Portuguese family. If you spent more than a few minutes with him, you quickly learned two things: he was a Christian first and unmistakably Portuguese second. He carried both identities with joy.

Known for his exuberant spirit, he was famous for shouting “hot dog!” or “zucca,” a word entirely his own. He often made up songs in the middle of preaching or leading service, and above all, he was known for the way he made people feel. Countless lives were lifted by his encouragement, affirmation, and genuine love. He was, in every sense, a living expression of the love of God.

He received his ministerial license with the United Pentecostal Church International on April 26, 1961, signed by District Superintendent G.S. Roney. His ministry carried him across North America and around the world. He pastored four churches in California: Orosi, Kerman, Victorville, and Arroyo Grande… and served in numerous leadership roles within the UPCI, including the Western District Youth Board, the Home Missions Board, and the District Board as a Presbyter in three different sections. He also served as the North American Director of Portuguese Ministries.

His calling to the nations was unmistakable. He became the first UPCI missionary to the nation of Portugal in 1972, the homeland of his ancestors, where he completed two terms totaling eight years of faithful service, and also served a year as a furlough missionary in Manaus, Amazon, Brazil.

On September 8, 1957, he married the love of his life, Eva (Cotta) Domingues. Their love story spanned 62 beautiful years. She precedes him in death along with their beloved daughter Denise (Domingues) Smith.

He is survived by his son Dean Domingues and wife Lori, Daughter Doreen Cantrell and husband Gaylen, Son-in-law Tim Smith. (6) Grandchildren, Weston Cantrell and wife Melody, Landry Cantrell and wife Kelsey, Logan Domingues and wife Fabi, Olivia Wheeler and husband Daniel, McLain Smith and McKenna Smith. (7) Great grandchildren, Cohen, Renison, Holland, Stetson, (twins) Macy & Nora and Rio, and another great-granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by his sister Deolinda Macek (100) and brother Alexander Domingos (93).

Heaven has welcomed another hero of the faith. And for all of us who knew and loved him, we have gained one more precious reason to keep pressing on… one more reason to go.