Plan for the Future
José “Joe” Gafanhao, 57, of Union, NJ passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Overlook Hospital after a long battle with illnesses. Joe was born in Gafanha do Carmo, Portugal and at the age of 6, immigrated to America with his Mother and siblings to be together with his father who immigrated a few years earlier, they lived in Newark, NJ for many years. Joe was a man of very few words, but his heart, presence and actions spoke louder than words. He enjoyed watching his favorite soccer teams and discussing politics. Joe will be remembered as a fighter, a warrior who gave it his all despite the circumstances until his very last breath. Beloved son of Jose de Jesus Gafanhao and Isilda Prior Moco, loving husband to Isilda Lopes Gafanhao, father to Emily & David Gafanhao , dear brother to Maria de Fatima Pires and Claudio Gafanhao.
Joe is survived by his wife of 34 years Isilda Lopes Gafanhao, his mother Isilda Moço Oliveira, his sister Maria de Fatima Pires and husband Jack Pires, his son David Gafanhao and Evlyn Rojas, his daughter Emily Gafanhao and husband Sebastián Rojas, and several nieces and nephews. Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Family, friends and others who’s lives Jose touched are invited to attend wake services on Wednesday November 1, 2023 between 6:00-8:00pm at Bradley, Haeberle, & Barth Funeral Home located on 1100 Pine Ave in Union NJ. Funeral mass and services will be on Thursday, November 2, 2023, 9 am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 403 Spring St. Elizabeth, NJ
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.
