Hudson – Jose Maria Graça Melo, 76, returned to the Lord Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, surrounded by family, at U Mass Memorial Marlborough Hospital.
“42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”” (Luke 23:42-43 ESV)
Jose was born Dec. 6, 1939 to Jose de Chaves Melo and Maria da Glória Graça. Jose had six brothers and four sisters. He married Maria Ascensão Melo Sept. 30, 1963. Jose, Maria and their three children, Joe, Horatio and Regina, emigrated from Santa Maria, Portugal to the United States Feb. 7, 1975.
Jose worked with Intel for many years and was extremely active in the community through the Portuguese Club and St. Michael’s Parish. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren, who brought great joy and pride to his life. His bright smile, loving character and intense domino games will be greatly missed.
Jose is survived by his wife of 52 years, Maria; his children and their spouses, Jose and Jennifer Melo, Horatio and Cynthia Melo, and Regina and Greg Paduganan; his grandchildren, Jason, Brendan, Danny, Joey, Jonathan, Logan, Justin, Jenny, Timmy, Lily, David and Samantha, Stephanie and Christopher, Christina and Brendon, Jessica, Megan, Joshua; and his great-grandchildren, Preston and Sharolette.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 11 in Saint Michael’s Church of Hudson, followed by burial at Saint Michael’s Cemetery of Hudson. Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the Melo Family, 131 Lincoln St., Hudson, MA 01749. Contributions and donations in memory of Jose may be sent to Sociedade Mariense do Divino Espirito Santo, C/O Avidia Bank, 42 Main St., Hudson, MA 01749 or New England Center for Children, 33 Turnpike Rd., Southborough, MA 01772 (www.NECC.org).
