Jose Manuel Pavao

Jose Manuel Pavao, “Joe”, age 60, of Lawrence, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on August 30, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Joe was born on April 15, 1962, in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal; he was the son of the late Eduardo Manuel and Maria DeFatima (Oliveira) Pavao.  Joe grew up in a large family of eight siblings and had many wonderful memories as a child.  Joe enlisted in the Portuguese military and served as a military police officer. 

Joe moved to the United States when he was twenty-four; he settled in Somerville, where he met and married Rose (Delgado) Pavao on May 30, 1986.  Joe and Rose stayed in Somerville for many years where they raised their two children, Paul, and Bianca.  In 2001, the family relocated to Wilmington; they also lived in Derry, NH, and Lawrence. 

Joe worked as a truck driver for General Insulation for more than twenty-five years.  Joe was a valuable and dedicated employee who made friends wherever he went.   

Joe’s family was most important to him; he was “the rock” who everyone could rely on.  Joe was thrilled to become “Vavô” to his four grandchildren, London, Talan, Grant, and Aviana.  He loved spending time with the kids and teaching them new things. 

Joe’s main passion was singing; he was a talented musician who sang in countless shows at the Portuguese church, social gatherings, and family events.  Joe started singing at the young age of fourteen and continued throughout his life.  He was a proud member of the "Margens" band for more than twenty years.  Music was extremely important to Joe, and he was proud to comfort others with his voice. 

Joe will be remembered by his family and friends for his “sweet soul.”  He had a big smile that lit up the room and the stage.  His memory will be cherished by all those who knew and loved him. 

Joe was the beloved husband of Rose (Delgado) Pavao, devoted father of Paul Pavao & his wife Apryl of Burlington, Bianca Pacheco & her husband Luis of Lawrence, loving “Vavô” of London Pavao, Talan Pavao, Grant Pavao, and Aviana Pacheco, dear brother of Carlos Pavao of Portugal, Rui Pavao of Portugal, Lucia Dos Santos of Portugal, Eduarda Pavao of Canada, Paul Pavao of Bermuda, Anna Medeiros of Portugal, and Pedro Pavao of Portugal.  Joe is also survived by his best friend, who was like a brother, Robert Raposo and his family from NH, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62) on Monday, September 5th at 9:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main Street, (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m.  Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 4th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

Memorial donations in Joe’s name may be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA  01843.