On April 23, 2022, we lost a good man, devoted father, loving grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and dear friend. José L. Valadão (lovingly known as Joe) was born in the village of the Punta Fajã Grande, Flores, Azores, Portugal on September 16, 1935 to João and Avelina Mateus.

Joe passed away on the 10th anniversary of his beloved wife Lucia (Lucy) Valadao’s death.

He leaves behind two sons and their families.

David (Jennifer) granddaughters Jordan and Alyssa Valadao (Eureka).
Donald, granddaughter and grandson Janée and Justin Valadao (San Diego.)
Brother and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sal (Linda) Mateus (McKinleyville)
Mary Silva (Arcata)
Inez (Otto) Storr (Meridian, Mississippi)
Carmen Valadao (Massachusetts)
Regina (John) Goodrow (Salem, Oregon)

Joe immigrated to the United States on December 11, 1960 and arrived in San Francisco. His first employment was milking cows in Chowchilla, Calif. Later that year, at the request of his cousin, José Silveira, he moved to Arcata, where he got employment with the Louisiana Pacific Lumber Company (L.P) as a Redwood Grader. In 1965, after obtaining his U.S. citizenship, he traveled back to Flores to marry the love of his life, Lucy. The story of their marriage and devotion to each other is admired by all those who knew them. Joe and Lucy were married for 46 years.

He was very proud and involved in the local and state Portuguese community. He served as Supreme President (1974-1975) and I.D.E.S. Council No. 85, as Council Secretary, for over 35 years. Joe retired from L.P. in 1997 at the age of 62, where he began his travels around the world with his wife Lucy. Together they toured Italy, Portugal, Azores Islands, Panama Canal and the Caribbean, to name a few. They also went on multiple cruises to various locations around the world.

Joe was a wonderful man and friend who would always lend a hand. He even went on Costco runs for friends when they couldn’t go for themselves and bought turkeys for the Humboldt Food Bank at Thanksgiving. Joe will be greatly missed by his loved ones and everyone whose lives he touched.

Joe was preceded in death by Lucy Valadao, João and Avelina Mateus,

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 5-7 p.m., at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata, with a Rosary to follow.

The memorial Mass will be at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

Celebration of Life will be at the Portuguese Hall (Arcata) following the Mass.

Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park (Eureka) at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 30th.

Donations can be made to your favorite charity.