Jose L. Alves

José L. Alves, affectionately known as Joe, age 84, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, following complications from kidney failure. He was the devoted husband of Adriana (Amaral) Alves.

 Born in Sao Miguel, Azores, he was the son of the late Jose L and Maria Lurdes (Pereira) Alves.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters: Fatima Bacon of Rehoboth, Mass and Cynthia Merritt of Bristol; and granddaughters Emily Merritt and Isabella Merritt.

As a young man in the Azores, he made his village of Pico de Pedra proud as he joined their version of the Coast Guard to run a lighthouse on the island of Santa Maria.  In 1967, Joe legally immigrated to the United States with Adriana and their 3-month-old newborn, knowing that things would not be easy, as they did not know the language. However, they were confident that they possessed a tremendous work ethic and a desire to provide their family with all the opportunities America had to offer. 

Joe worked various manufacturing jobs and turned to his cultural roots and green thumb when he opened his landscaping business over 40 years ago. 

As a passionate Bristolian, he loved the 4th of July and listening to classical music.  He was an active member of various organizations, including: Dom Luiz Filipe Portuguese Beneficial Association, Escola Official Portuguesa, Philharmonic Marching Music, was a lector at Saint Elizabeth's Church, and a mordomo for the Holy Ghost Trinity Feast. 

His funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 9:30 – 10:30 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Bristol East Bay Food Pantry, 532 Wood St, Bristol, RI 02809, or online at: eastbayfoodpantry.org

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