Jose “Joe”” Manuel Pavao
April 15, 1962-August 30, 2022
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’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 was employed with GIC for twenty-five years. Joe was a valuable and dedicated employee who made friends wherever he went. Below are some loving thoughts and kind words for Joe from General Insulation employees that knew him well.
“For those that did not have the pleasure to work with Joe over his long career with General Insulation, he was the embodiment of the perfect General Insulation driver and employee. Joe loved his work, loved his co-workers, loved his customers, and loved to sing classic Portuguese music at weddings and parties (for hire). He would light up your day after speaking with him and we were grateful to have him as part of our GIC family.” – Nick Ring
“Joe Pavao was a proud General Insulation employee who worked as a driver for over 25 years. His customers and coworkers loved his positive, happy demeanor and he ALWAYS went the extra mile. He was dedicated to his work, family and friends. His customers requested him specifically for certain deliveries. He took great pride in his work here at General.” – Colleen Passamonti
“My memories of Joe Pavao are of many laughs and lots of teasing. Joe was a singer and often performed on weekends in the Portuguese community. Joe would say he had a great show with lots of people and I would say Joe, 4 people is not considered a lot! I told him on many occasions that the newspapers reviewed his music and the critics said their favorite part of his songs were the end! On to more serious matters, Joe and I worked many long and hard days together and Joe always had a smile on his face and would do whatever was needed. Joe was so proud to tell people he was with GIC. Joe was everything you ever wanted in an employee, he was kind, energetic, hardworking, and certainly wore the GIC with pride. I will forever be grateful to Joe for his dedication to GIC and for his friendship for close to 25 years.” – Scott Brown
Louis Cantor, Joe’s son-in law, often sang with Joe and continues to honor Joe’s legacy at General Insulation Co. by working at Northeast Specialties in Lawrence, Massachusetts. 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.
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