Tributes

Our beloved “Pai” Joao Sylvestre De Medeiros, was ushered into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by his beloved sons, John and Mario Medeiros on December 19, 2024 at the rich age of 97 1/2 years old. Born and raised on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Joao Sylvestre De Medeiros emerged from a humble background of subsistence farming. Growing up on his family's dairy farm, he experienced a traditional rural life characterized by manual labor and deep agricultural roots. Without modern technology, his family relied on animals for crop cultivation and milked cows by hand, embodying the resilient spirit of Azorean farmers. Joao was also in the Portuguese army and was the fastest runner in his squad. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, Joao was deeply passionate about the sport. He religiously followed Portuguese teams like Benfica, FC Porto, and Sporting CP, watching and listening to matches daily. His love for soccer extended beyond national boundaries, embracing Brazilian and international soccer with equal enthusiasm. Joao dedicated much of his working life to Fawcett Farms for 35 years, working diligently from 1962 until his retirement in 1997. After years in Los Banos, he settled in Atwater, becoming an integral part of the local community. After retiring, he continued working taking care of his quadriplegic son until the age of 80. A true family patriarch, Joao is survived by: - Ex-wife and lifelong friend Regina Del Negri - Children: John Medeiros (Aleta), Ana Lucia Novak (David), Mario De Medeiros, and Rick Medeiros - Grandchildren: Shane, Chelsey (Salvador), Selena, Rick Medeiros Jr. (Aubrey), Michael Cainan Medeiros (Brittany) - Great-granddaughter: Athena Divine Medeiros - Surviving sisters: Adriana, Ilda, Maria José, and Escolástica da Conceição Additionally, he leaves behind a large extended family spanning across Brazil, Portugal, and both the East and West Coasts of the United States. This includes numerous beloved nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces, all of whom held a special place in his heart. Joao was predeceased by three beloved sisters: - Margarida Silvestre Silva - Fernanda da Trindade Medeiros Magalhães - Maria Salomé Silvestre Sousa Known for his witty sense of humor and deep faith, Joao embodied traditional values. He was passionate about cooking, hosting family gatherings, and crafting homemade Portuguese wine. A devout Catholic, he frequently prayed the rosary, interceding for his family members. As the family patriarch, Joao leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cultural richness. His Portuguese conversations, culinary skills, and unwavering family dedication created an irreplaceable bond. In his family's words, he leaves a "deep hole that no one can fill" - a profound testament to his immeasurable impact. Joao Sylvestre De Medeiros will be remembered not just as a father and grandfather, a dedicated family man, but as a beacon of old-world values, faith in God, and unconditional love, representing the best of his Azorean heritage.

Tributes

Joao Sylvestre De Medeiros

June 2, 1927 - December 19, 2024