Joao "Djon de Gela" Araujo, 86, of New Bedford, died Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at home after a long illness.

Born in Brava, Cape Verde Islands, he lived in New Bedford for 60 years.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, and was employed by several local bars and factories.

Joao enjoyed Cape Verdean music, dancing and playing at the Bisca Tournament Club.

Survivors include a daughter, Rosita Furtado and her mother Rosetta; his 2 sons, John Araujo, Jr., and Justin Martin; his brother, Julio of Cape Verde; sisters Albertina Da Rosa and Constance Tavares; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and 3 nephews, Daniel DaRosa, Robert DaRosa, and André Sylvia.

He is predeceased by his parents, Maria (Araujo) Fortes and Julio Da Veiga; his siblings, Joaquim Araujo and Mariana Gomes.

Joao's Funeral will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Visiting hours will be Friday, April 12th from 4-8 PM.