With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jose Lourenco Homem Jr., born January 1, 1929, in Porto Judeu, Terceira, Azores. Jose passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at the age of 97, surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience and family devotion.

Jose was raised in Porto Judeu, where he met his first love, Maria Madalena Dutra Coelho. Jose and Maria grew up in the same town. When Jose went to work for Maria’s father, Jose and Maria’s early connection continued to grow into a lifelong partnership. Jose and Maria were married on January 29, 1953, beginning a life centered on love, family and hard work. On November 7, 1953, they welcomed their first child, Jose Dutra Lourenco.

In pursuit of opportunity, Jose moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, where some of his family had immigrated. There, Jose established a home and was joined by his wife and son. Together, they continued to grow their family, welcoming Maria Amelia, Maria Fatima and Amarildo Dutra Lourenco. While in Brasil, Jose owned and operated three butcher shops and developed a lifelong love of soccer, especially for his favorite club, Vasco da Gama.

In 1971, Jose brought his family to the United States, settling in Arcata, California, after being sponsored by his sister, Gabriella Murphy, and her husband, Bob. He was the last of the eleven brothers and sisters to immigrate to America. Upon arriving, Jose worked at Simpson Timber Company alongside his son and many extended family members. In 1975, Jose and Maria welcomed their youngest child, Madalena Patricia, completing their family.

In 1981, Jose fulfilled a lifelong dream by establishing his own dairy, a testament to his determination, resilience and commitment to providing for his family. He found immense joy in life on the dairy, often referring to the ranch as his Disneyland, where he cared deeply for his cows — affectionately known as “his ladies.” Some of his happiest moments were spent watching his grandchildren play in the barn and climb the hay, creating memories that will live on for generations.

After nearly 37 years of marriage, Jose’s beloved wife Maria Madalena Homem passed away on November 22, 1989. Jose later married Gloria Sousa, welcoming two stepchildren, Robbie and Jennifer, into the family. Jose and Gloria were later blessed by the birth of their son, Jeffrey Lourenco Azevedo.

Jose and Gloria were married for 35 years and enjoyed travelling, spending time with family, attending festas, celebrations and working hard to support themselves and the growing family. Jose and Gloria weathered hard times that were a testament to their strength, resilience and mutual support of one another.

Jose was deeply proud of his Portuguese heritage and remained closely connected to his community. He was an active member of the local Portuguese Hall, faithfully attending festas and contributing to its remodeling. He enjoyed watching Portuguese and Brazilian television, especially novellas, bull fighting videos and Carnival celebrations. Later in life, Jose returned to Rio de Janeiro with Gloria and his children for an epic trip. Jose revisited the places that he and his children once called home and celebrated Carnival in person. This family trip was a long-awaited and meaningful journey 30 years in the making.

Jose was known for his signature black cowboy hat and was rarely seen without it. He had a warm and memorable way of introducing himself — often with a smile and the words, “I’m Joe Homem,” a simple phrase that many will always remember.

Jose had a great sense of humor and loved to joke with those around him. He enjoyed making his own wine — often calling it “Portuguese diesel” — and took pride in traditions both old and new. He also spent time butchering cows at home to freak out his grandchildren, attending auctions at the Portuguese Hall and in Ferndale, and gathering with family and friends. He even liked to joke that he put “music in his tea,” his playful way of referring to a splash of whiskey.

Family was at the center of Jose’s life. He loved hosting gatherings at his home, where relatives would crowd around the table to share meals and laughter. Each year on New Year’s Day — his birthday — the entire family gathered at the ranch to celebrate him and welcome the year ahead, a tradition that reflected his deep love for togetherness. One of his favorite things for his birthday was to have his family sing to him in English and then in Portuguese before he blew out his candles.

Jose was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Amelia Homem; his first wife, Maria Homem; his sisters, Maria Jose Dematos, Fatima Borges, Maria dos Santos Rafael, Natalia Oliveira, Gabriela Murphy; and his brothers, Manuel “Albino” Homem, David Homem, Antonio “Tony” Lourenco, Fernando Lourenco, Avelino Homem; and his in-laws Bob Murphy, Arthur Machado, Eduardo Rafael, Judy Lourenco and John DeMatos. He was also preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Lourenco Azevedo Homem, his stepson Robert “Robbie” Sousa and his son-in-law Dennis Turnbull.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; sister Durvalina Machado; his in-laws, Jorlanda Lourenco, Anna Homem, Maria de Lourdes Homem, Manuel Coelho, Ana Paula Homem and Frank Olivera; son Jose (Mary) Homem; daughter Maria (Mike) Wendlandt; daughter Fatima Turnbull (Dennis), son Amarildo (Nicole) Homen; daughter-in-law Tracy Homen; daughter Madalena (Mark) Homen Thiery; stepdaughter Jennifer (Jon) Anderson; his grandchildren, Isidro (Bobbie) Wendlandt, Shannon (Nic) Collart, Michael (Victor) Wendlandt, Shawn (Britny) Homem, Scott (Kacie) Homen, Molly Homen, Blake Homen, Beau Turnbull, Rio Homen and Ruby Homen; his great-grandchildren, Cameron Wendlandt, Kiley Wendlandt, Bryce Homem, Rylee Collart, Chayce Homem, Dylan Collart, Myles Collart, Lilly Homem, Hattie Homen and Daisy Homen; his step-grandchildren Elizabeth Teixeira and Trevor Anderson; his step-great-grandchildren Aj Teixeira, Tatum Teixeira, Zoey Teixeira; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

Jose’s casket bearers will be his grandchildren, with his great-grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers.

Jose will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great‑grandfather, known lovingly as Vovô. His life was defined by hard work, deep cultural pride, unwavering love for his family and the joy he found in bringing people together. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services for Jose Lourenco Homem will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata. A viewing will take place at 11:15 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 11:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life reception will be held following the burial at the Portuguese Hall in Arcata.

Everyone who knew him is welcome to attend.

“A família é tudo.” (Family is everything.)

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jose Homem’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.