Joao Tavares

Joao Tavares, 83, of Fall River, died Wednesday at home. He was the husband of Ana Maria (Pimentel) Tavares.

Born in Santa Clara, St. Michael, Azores, he was a son of the late Joao and Maria (Freitas) Tavares; he resided in Fall River for the past 45 years.

Mr. Tavares worked as a machine operator for 30 years at the former Swan Finishing, retiring in 1994.

He was a member of Santo Christo Church.

Besides his wife of 59 years, he is survived by three sons, Victor Tavares, Carlos Tavares and Emanuel Tavares, all of Fall River; a sister, Maria Auntuarpia Santos of St. Michael, Azores; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Manuel Tavares.

His funeral will be held Monday at 8 a.m. from the OLIVEIRA FUNERAL HOME, 215 Columbia St., followed by a Funeral Mass 9 a.m. in Santo Christo Church. Interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Calling hours Sunday 4 - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Santo Christo Church, 185 Canal St., Fall River, MA 02721.