John R. Barboza, 87, of New Bedford died November 2, 2024, at Sacred Heart Home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Esther Marva (Tavares) Barboza.

Born in Fall River, son of the late Manuel and Mary (Teixeira) Barboza he lived in New Bedford most of his life.

John worked in the maintenance department at Melville Towers for twenty years where he retired.  He was the sexton for the International Church of the Nazarene for many years. He was the head usher for fifteen years at the Faith Christian Center of New Bedford. His passion and ministry were singing at multiple nursing homes in the surrounding areas of New Bedford for thirty-three and a half years, while leading many to the Lord and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed singing, the great outdoors, fishing, camping, and he took pride in having the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Esther; a son, John Barboza, Jr. of New Bedford; 3 daughters, Johanne Barboza, Linda Houtman and her husband Kenneth and Patricia Barboza, all of New Bedford; his former wife, Patricia (Duarte) Barboza of New Bedford; 2 brothers, Manuel Barboza, Jr. of Winter Haven, Florida and Joseph Barboza of Milwaukie, Wisconsin  a sister, Rosemary Reagan of Fall River; 10 grandchildren, Dustin Houtman, Aaron Houtman, Seth Houtman, Jared Houtman, Phillip Houtman, Sarah Houtman, Rebekah Houtman, Lizette Rivera, Oswaldo "P.J." Rivera and Desarae Barboza; 34 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Eileen Marie Barboza, the grandfather of the late Nakisha Lee Barboza and the brother of the late Margaret Barboza, Rosehilda "Peggy" Richardson, Frank Barboza, Mary "Boyhe" Barboza, O'Tilia "Tillie" Hill, Caroline Barboza, Isabel "Penny" Barboza, Anna McDermett, Victor Barboza, Christina "Tina" Amaral, Marianna "Badger" Dias and George Barboza.

His visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 11th from 3-6 PM with a prayer service at 6 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 12th at 10 AM in the funeral home followed by burial in Rural Cemetery.