John Sousa Machado Obituary in Warren at WJSmith Funeral Home

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John Sousa Machado

1/5/1929 - 11/27/2016

Obituary For John Sousa Machado

John S. "Machadinho" Machado passed away peacefully on November 27 in the nursing facility that he co-founded with his wife.

Born in, Sao Miguel, Azores, John was the son of Manuel and Maria (Elias) Machado. He was a stonemason in his home country and his work may still be viewed along the sidewalks of Ponta Delgada.

John immigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1957, sponsored by the Heinz Company, seeking young men for work. John worked as a farm hand, and yacht club attendant, all while perfecting his Portuguese folk music. He was quite skilled at a style of music involving rhyming lyrics with dueling singers. The last person who was able to complete the song with a witty rhyme was the winner.

He also was asked to collaborate on a record album with a Canadian friend, composing his own music and lyrics. It was while traveling for a singing engagement that he met Linda Moniz, the nurse whom he would marry in 1960.

Together they raised two children, John Francis and Mary Elizabeth. He was employed by the Hasenfeld Brothers, better known as Hasbro Toy Company, and helped produce such iconic toys as Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe. Sharing his wife's dream of opening a nursing home, he built Grace Barker Nursing Center in 1966, completing some of the finish work and masonry around the building.

He later founded Health Care Suppliers, which would later become the building housing The Willows Assisted Living and Adult Day Care. However, one of his proudest moments was becoming a naturalized American citizen. Whenever someone would ask where he was from he would always state the Azores but would add that was now an American citizen.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, visiting the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska, the USSR, and Jerusalem. He also enjoyed fishing, working in his garden, caring for his grapes and turning them into his homemade wine! He also enjoyed helping others with their gardening challenges.

John will be remembered as a gentleman, always tipping his cap when meeting someone and always taking the time to listen. One of his favorite sayings was, "you do not sharpen your sailing skills on calm seas". His soulful blue eyes and warm smile will be missed but are preserved in the memory of all who knew him.

He leaves his son John (Nancy) Machado, his daughter Mary Beth (Mark) Lescault, and grandsons Benjamin and Ethan Lescault whom he adored and spent much time with. He also leaves a brother, Antone Machado of Bretanha, Azores, a sister Maria Tavares of Ontario, Canada and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda (Moniz), and brothers Joseph, Manuel, Francisco, and Joaquim.

He was a communicant and founding member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He was also a member of the Prince Henry Club of R.I. and the Santo Christo Club, Fall River.

Arrangements are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI where family will receive friends, Thursday, December 1st, 2:30-7pm.

Funeral will be held, Friday, December 2nd, 8am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9am in St Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Avenue, Warren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Barker Nursing Center, 54 Barker Avenue, Warren, RI 02885 Staff Enrichment Fund or simply perform a random act of kindness in John's memory.

www.wjsmithfh.com

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Condolences

04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

Mary Beth and family : Sending my family's heartfelt condolences on your Dad's passing . May you cherish all the memories made with him and just know he is now with Mom at last . May they rejoice in heaven . Much love , The Sanford / Dyer Family
04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

Making our home on the very land John and Linda's family offered us 48 years ago and living adjacent as neighbors all these years make for fond and blessed memories. From watching our children come and mature in their own quest for success as John and Linda so show us all with love and the dedication to family they shared. We will miss our neighbor and his "tip of the hat" as he drove by with a smile. Our prayers and hearts go out to Mary Beth, John and their children in this time of sadness. May God Bless John now and keep him in His peace. "Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear". Loving neighbors still, Bob and Bertha ParÃ©
04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

Mary Beth and Johnny, the Arruda and Almeida family are sending our deepest condolences for the passing of our Dear Uncle John who we loved very much and may God give all of you strength to carry on these sad days. Uncle John would always make us happy with his jokes and songs and also played guitar for us. We will miss you very much Tio Joao, May You Rest In Peace. Fatima, Lebelia Cecilia from Toronto, Canada
04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

So sorry for you loss. My wife and I always loved chatting with him while we waited for our grandchildren to be dismissed form St.Philomena's. He would tell us of places he traveled to. He was a very nice person and we could tell he loved his family. Joe and Paula Cabral
04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

So sorry for your loss. My mother was completely taken with his hat and the charming way about him. He always made us smile. I thank him and all who had a hand in making the place that allowed my family and me comfort in my Mother's final years. Truly blessed.
04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

Marybeth, John and extended Family We are so sorry to hear of your wonderful Dad''s passing. For the many years I worked as a nurse for Linda and John they always made us feel like family. We will always hold dear the wonderful times we had together. Their greatest Love was for Family and the Elderly! So, as they journey together in the sight of our loving God may he be with you and your family at this difficult time. His Promises are everlasting, for we will see each other again. Until that time they would tell us to Love one another and enjoy life until we meet again! We were blessed to know them. Love, Joan and Manny Motta
04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

Mary Beth, Our heartfelt condolences are with you and your family on the loss of your dad. Sending love to you all.
04/27/2021

Jenna Fales

I first realized how talented your father was when we asked him to make a cut out of a ship for one of our themed event/parties we have held for residents and families. What a surprise to see an almost life size replica of a pirate ship after only just a few days of design and build. So large, it had to be displayed outside! He had a means of showing great spirit in a humble way. My condolences to you and your family.

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