Joseph Furtado Salema

Joseph Furtado Salema, 76, of Fox Hill Avenue passed away on October 15, 2020 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of Herminia (Matos) Salema.  

Born in Villa Franca do Campo, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal, he was the son of the late Pedro and Mary Alice (Ferro) Salema.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children:  Caroline Salema of Riverside, Jerry Salema and his wife Kelly of Swansea and Lisa Martins of Bristol and his grandchildren: Jessica Almeida, Hayley Almeida, Joshua Salema, Jacob Salema, Cohen Martins and Bristol Martins.  He was the brother of Stephanie Vieira and nephew of Joseph Ferro and Alcina Motta

Mr. Salema was educated in Bristol and employed by Carol Cable for 25 years.  He then went to work for the Town of Bristol and was instrumental in creating the displays seen in the flower planters throughout the downtown area.  His passions in life were his family first and then plants.  His love for gardening could be seen at his home, his children’s homes and all over Bristol.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, October 19th, 10 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church 577 Wood Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mask use is required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Memorial donations may be made to: Town of Bristol, Joseph Salema Flower Planting Fund, 10 Court Street, Bristol RI  02809.

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