Joao Luis Moniz

New Bedford, MA – Joao Luis Moniz, of New Bedford, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Closing the circle of a life well-lived, he passed on his 75th birthday after a courageous battle with serious medical issues in recent years. 

Joao was born in Santa Cruz, Lagoa, Sao Miguel, Acores, Portugal. He was a member of the Portuguese Army and served in Guinea-Bissau. After immigrating to the United States in 1974 with his beloved wife, Maria Cecilia (Bilhete) Moniz, he settled in New Bedford and worked for many years as a painter. 

He loved animals and had many pets, especially parrots. More than anything, Joao loved gathering with his family. He often told people that he was a “rich man” not because he had money, but because he had a wonderful family that he was very proud of. 

In addition to his wife Cecilia, he is survived by their three daughters, Claudia Rossi and her husband Michael Rossi of Newton, Jennifer Martins and her partner Christopher Oliveira of Dartmouth, and Stacey Moniz  and Bryan Machado of New Bedford; his four granddaughters, Paige, Stella, Cecilia and Kylie; and several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and godchildren. 

He is predeceased by his parents, Manuel (Moniz) and Julieta (Reis) Telheiro, and his brother, Jose F. Moniz.

Joao’s family wishes to thank all of the wonderful doctors and nurses who spent time with him, made him comfortable, and cared for him, especially during the final days and weeks of his life. 

Visiting hours will be held at Perry Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. His funeral will take place on Thursday morning, beginning in the funeral home at 9:00 A.M. and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:00 A.M. Burial will immediately follow in Rural Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford.