Joseph S. Almeida, 106, formerly of Bristol, RI, passed away peacefully at his home in Hollywood Beach, Florida on Thursday, January 28, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Mary Lou (Ventura) Almeida and father to their six children: Joseph Almeida Jr., Theresa M. Nash, Mary Lou Mancieri, Bernadette Almeida, Carol Lee Proto (Frank), and the late Raymond Almeida. Born in Pico Da Pedra, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal on September 28, 1914 he was the son to the late August and Evarista (Calisto) Almeida.

He is survived by his 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews, who all loved and admired him. Joseph was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Soares and Theresa Lopes, as well as his brothers Arthur, August, Edward (Mary), Benjamin (Rita), and Gilbert Almeida (Madeline).

Joe Almeida as many referred to him as, was a man with a vision and was known for being ahead of his time. Throughout his life he had many accomplishments in both business and family. Before becoming a successful self-made businessman, Joseph served in the United States Navy, during World War II. Upon completing his service, he started on his entrepreneurial journey by getting certified to caponize chickens and by establishing his first business called Almeida's Started Capon Farm. Joe and his wife, Mary Lou, would go on to have a successful business traveling all throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts caponizing chickens until an prevalent disease wiped out their entire flock.

Joseph then went on to leave his stamp on the construction and real estate development industry. He started building homes in the late 1950's and continued in the business throughout the 1990s, where he was the first to build a split level home in Bristol, Rhode Island as well as the first to utilize plywood, instead of a board materials in houses.

One of his greatest accomplishments, other than his family of course, was the foresight he had for the property he purchased in Portsmouth, RI. Along with his wife Mary Lou and their two sons, Joseph Jr. and Raymond, he would lead the family into their next adventure. Joseph went on to build the first high-rise apartment building on Aquidneck Island, with his two sons at his side along with a very hardworking and devoted work crew. Collectively, they could not believe what they had accomplished. In addition to the high-rise, he built two other apartment buildings on that property. As a continuation to his vision, he recruited his daughters and their spouses into the family business. This would later be known as the Bayview Estates.

Another notable accomplishment was the Almeida Apartments in Bristol, at that time a beautiful complex suitable for young couples, single tenants, senior citizens, and professionals. The apartments had desirable features such as large living spaces and amenities like tennis courts and a beautiful club house with a pool/spa area. This was something you would see in larger cities, executed by a team of architects, engineers, and interior designers. But on this project Joe took the lead on the developing the designs himself. This property now serves as a residence for the students of Roger Williams University, on Bayview Avenue.

Upon retirement he spent his remaining years in Florida where he would welcome many family members and friends who loved to visit during the winter or come celebrate his birthday, especially during his 100th year celebration. They would love to spend the entire day with him at the Gulfstream Race Track. He enjoyed playing solitaire, attending horse races, and was a Tampa Bay Rays baseball fan.

Joseph was a kind, private, and talented person. An amazing man with a vision for his life that he turned into a reality. He was determined and did not believe in limitations. In fact, he accomplished a lot of what others said could not be done. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Services will be private, please respect the wishes of the family during this COVID - 19 pandemic. A celebration of Joseph's life will take place at a later date. Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the R.I. Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI, 02907.

Arrangements by SMITH FUNERAL and MEMORIAL SERVICES, Warren. www.wjsmithfh.com. This obituary is protected by copyright by Smith Funeral & Memorial Services. Proudly Serving the Communities of Barrington, Warren and Bristol, RI; Seekonk, Swansea and Rehoboth, and MA; South Coast; East Bay. Smith Funeral & Memorial Services is located in the state of Rhode Island, United States. All rights reserved. This obituary is also archived at obittree.com Smith Funeral & Memorial Services