José “Joe” Manuel Pires Sancho at the age of 84 went to be with the Lord on Thursday September 16, 2021. He was born April 10, 1937 in São Brás de Alportel, Algarve, Portugal to Rafael & Lucinda Sancho. He lived in Portugal until 1959 he served nearly three years in the Portuguese military — 1 year in Portugal in 1958 and 2 years in Goa, India on active duty for the Portuguese Army from 1959 to 1961. It was during that time away from home our father turned to expressing his emotions on paper. His love for poetry began then.

He returned to Portugal in 1961 to eventually begin his journey as an immigrant. He went to France for seven months in 1963 until he eventually crossed the Atlantic Ocean and arrived in New Jersey. He came to America in 1964 worked in construction for 6 months in Elizabeth, N.J. then finally arriving in Rio Dell in December of 1964 where his brother Emidio was living at the time. He was introduced to our mother Rosaline Mary Katherine Machado in January of 1965, and married on May 8, 1965. They moved to Rio Dell to build their life together for 47 years until his dear wife Rosie lost her battle to breast cancer on May 26, 2012.

Jose resided in Rio Dell in the family home for nearly 56 years. He was a hard worker and worked for 25 years at Carlotta Lumber Company until it closed and later went to work at Pacific Lumber Company until he retired at the age of 65. When he wasn’t working Jose was spending time in his garden with all sorts of fruits and vegetables that filled the kitchen table. During the Summers, they’d do some camping as a family and attend the annual Luso American convention where he’d meet up with friends from all over California. He was a member of Luso for over 50 years and served as local council President for many years. He was also a member of PFSA and would support the local Portuguese community with the Holy Ghost festival. He continued to write poems in Portuguese and send them to be published in his hometown newspaper in Portugal.

After retirement he and Rosaline liked to give back to the community volunteering at the local Food Banks. He also traveled a bit more after retirement including 5 trips to Portugal. He also visited Hawaii twice including a cruise to Hawaii and Alaska with friends. He really enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Jose is survived by his four children, Joey Sancho, Robert Sancho (Johanna), Mary Shannon (Andrew), Christina Sancho Gomes (Jorge), Grandchildren Makayla Ellena (Ryan), Joseph and Bryce Sancho, Samuel and Sophia Sancho, Martina and Sianna Shannon, Vanessa, Sabrina, Nelson, Rafael Gomes. His sister-in-law Fatima Sancho, his brother-in-law Tony Machado and several nieces, nephew, and cousins. Preceded in death by his wife Rosaline Sancho, parents Rafael and Lucinda Sancho, sister Albertina Sancho, brothers Emidio and Barnabe Sancho and other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Gobles Mortuary 560 12th St., Fortuna, Friday October 1, 4-7 pm. Visitation, and Rosary Services Friday October 1, 2021 at 7 pm at Gobles Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday October 2, 2021 at 10 am. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 810 14th St. Fortuna, with Deacon Tom Silva celebrant. Interment will follow at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna.

Casket bearers will be Joseph T. Sancho, Bryce Sancho, Jorge Gomes, Andrew Shannon, Tony Machado Jr, and Everett Flores. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rio Dell Fire Dept or Hospice of Humboldt.

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