Joao Evangelista Lima

Joao Evangelista Lima, 75, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Born in Santo Antao, Cabo Verde Islands, he was the son of the late Eleodoro Lima and Torquata Rosalina Lima.

Joao relocated to Sao Vicente, Cabo Verde in 1959 before making his home in New Bedford in 2000.

Joao loved to make jokes and recite poems, he was a poet at heart, his laughs, strengths and kindness he extended to people around him, despite of his lengthy illness.

In addition to his wife Amalia Da Luz of New Bedford, he is survived by his children, Orson Lima, Ana T Semedo, Enerson Lima, Josina Pires and her husband Joao Pires, Lenira Lima, Joseline Lima all of New Bedford, his brothers and sisters: Georgino Lima, Clemente Lima, Domingos Lima, Alcides Lima, Maria Da Luz Lima, Odette Lima, all of Cabo Verde, Maria Do Rosario of Spain.

In addition to his twenty grandkids, he is also survived by his bonus family, two bonus daughters: Mileida Lopes, Renisa and her husband Carlos De Alvarenga and six bonus grandkids who were there with him in good and bad times as well as many nieces and nephews, extended families and friends.

Joao was predeceased by his parents, Eleodoro Lima, Terquata Lima, his sisters Arminda, Maria Rocha, his daughter Vanda Lima, and his grandson Marcelo Cabral.

We also want to take the time to express our gratitude and guidance Joao received during the time he worked at Advanced Marine Technology, your leadership and the team's ongoing support have been invaluable to Joao's professional growth. We truly appreciated the opportunities he was given, and he was very proud and grateful to be part of the team, they treated him like family until his last day of work.

Joao was a gifted craftsman whose talent, creativity, and resourcefulness touched the lives of many. With remarkable hands-on skills, he could build boats, fabricate and repair automobile engine parts, fix ovens and a wide variety of household electrical appliances.

Whether tackling a complex repair or creating something from scratch, Joao approached every project with patience, precision and pride. His willingness to lend a helping hand made him a trusted friend and neighbor, his legacy of hard work, generosity and craftsmanship will be remembered by all who knew him, he faced each day with resiliency and was grateful for the love and support of all his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brandon Woods Dartmouth and St. Luke's Hospital for the care Joao received.

His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10 AM in the International Church of the Nazerene, 286 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA with burial to follow in Rural Cemetery. Please meet directly at church. Visiting hours will be held Friday from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.