Joseph Fernandes Rocha

In the early morning hours of August 10, 2023, Joseph “Joe” Antonio Fernandes Rocha, lost his long battle with Parkinson’s. He passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and two daughters, in West Sacramento. Joe was 77 years old.

Joe was born April 18, 1946 to Celina Fernandes and Antonio Rocha in Angra, Terceira, Azores. Joe served in the Portuguese military from 1968 to 1971 in Angola. After his return to the Azores, he met and married Cecilia Martins Beirao. They had their first child, Monica in 1975 and then Deborah in 1976. In 1977, the small family immigrated to the United States, like many others, for a better life and future for their daughters. They settled in Napa, California. Joe first worked in a factory, but then went on to be a truck driver and finally, he went on to work at a local winery for over 25 years. Parkinson’s caused him to retire early as he was serving as the winery warehouse manager. After he became a grandfather, he moved to West Sacramento in 2012 to be near his one and only grandchild, Michael.

Joe had many interests including photography, cars, home improvement and fishing to name a few. He was generous and hardworking and fiercely proud. He valued education and knowledge and was an avid reader, from National Geographic to Car and Driver. He was a protective father and considerate husband. He was a doting grandfather whose grandson was the light of his eye. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and camping. He was able to enjoy travel with his wife, children and grandson.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Celina and Antonio and youngest brother, Francisco. He is survived by 2 brothers, Guillermo and Ildeberto and four sisters, Conceicao, Adelina, Zulmira, and Maria do Carmo, and over 20 nieces and nephews from the Azores, to Canada and the US. He also had dear cousins, great in-laws and many friends, all who will miss him dearly.

There will be a funeral service, Wednesday, August 16, at 2pm at East Lawn Memorial Park at 4300 Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento, CA. A separate graveside service will take place on Friday, August 18 at 11am at the same location.