Joseph Silva Frade, Jr.

January 24, 1936 - August 19, 2026 • Age 90

Joseph Silva Frade, Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on August 19, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, love, and kindness that will continue to live on through the many people whose lives he touched.

Joe lived a full and abundant life in his beloved hometown of New Bedford, Massachusetts. New Bedford was more than simply where Joe lived—it was home in every sense of the word. He knew its streets and neighborhoods like the back of his hand and could seemingly tell you where anything was, or where it used to be. The only significant time he spent away from his hometown was while proudly serving his country in the United States Army.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Angelina (Ponte) Frade; his beloved son, Michael “Mike” Frade; and his siblings, Dorothy Frade, Anthony “Tony” Frade, and Alfred “Fred” Frade.

At the center of Joe’s life was his family, and especially the love of his life, Martha (Ward) Frade. For 71 years, Martha was the twinkle in Joe’s eye. Their life together was a beautiful example of enduring love and devotion—a love that could be seen by anyone fortunate enough to be around them.

Joe also leaves behind his children, Donna (Steve) McKane, Scott (Bonnie) Frade, and Diana (Mandy) Fox, and his daughter-in-law, Christine Frade (wife of his late son, Michael); along with a family legacy that grew to include 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Beyond his family, Joe was blessed with an immeasurable number of lifelong friends and loved ones.

Joe was a hardworking man who believed in staying active and making the most of every day. For many years, he worked both at Alden Corrugated and Roseland Nursery at the same time, a testament to his remarkable work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. He worked at Alden Corrugated for more than 25 years, continuing to work both jobs until Alden closed. He remained with Roseland Nursery for a total of 46 years, finally retiring at the remarkable age of 76.

He loved the simple things that made life rich: walking, reading, fishing, gardening, listening to music, and traveling with Martha on senior bus tours. In his later years, he could often be found enjoying an old Western on television, especially Gunsmoke.

Fishing held a special place in Joe’s heart. As a member of the Stream and Lakers Fishing Club, he earned several awards for catching the biggest fish. He was also known for rising before dawn to walk several miles before heading to work—a routine he continued even after retirement. His love of walking also led him to participate in many city-sponsored marathons, where he earned awards for his efforts.

Joe was a member of the Rod and Gun Club and Club Madeirans S.S. Sacramento, where he had the honor of serving on the committee for the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

Joe will be remembered for the way he made people feel.

Everybody who met Joe loved Joe. He never met a stranger. He was kind hearted and caring, fair and respected, a good listener and a dependable friend. He thought of others, was always willing to lend a hand, and was someone people knew they could count on.

Above everything else, Joe was a family man. He taught his children the importance of family not simply through words, but through the way he lived his life. His children never had to wonder how their father felt about them. They knew, without question, that they were loved completely and unconditionally.

Ninety years is a long and wonderful life, but for those who loved Joe, no amount of time could ever feel like enough.

His was a life measured not only in years, but in years of love and devotion, generations of family, decades of hard work, countless friendships, early-morning walks, fishing stories, laughter, kindness, and memories that will be told for years to come.

Joe leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not one built from possessions or accomplishments, but from the love he gave so freely to others.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Everybody who met Joe loved Joe. And those who loved him will carry a piece of him with them always.

Services

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Joe on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

As we come together to celebrate Joe’s life, family and friends are warmly encouraged to share their favorite memories, stories, and special moments with Joe during the service. Whether it is a story that brings a smile, a memory that captures his kindness, or simply a few words about what Joe meant to you, the family would be grateful to hear them. These shared memories will help us celebrate the remarkable man Joe was and the many lives he touched.

Visitation: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Military Graveside Service: 1:30 p.m.

Following the service, Joe will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery, 1100 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, Massachusetts, with military honors in recognition of his honorable service to his country and a life so well lived.