João Soares Morais entered his eternal rest on July 18, 2026. He was born on May 11, 1946, in the village of Porto Judeu, on the island of Terceira, Azores to João and Zulmira Morais. He was one of seven children. As a young man he enjoyed arena bullfights, fishing and playing soccer for the Leões, a local sports club.

João married the love of his life, Clara Drumonde DaSilva, on January 31, 1964, and they soon began creating their own little family.

He migrated to the United States on August 16, 1973, in search of the possibility of a better life with Clara and their 3 children Fernanda, John, and Helder. Their family became complete a few years later with the births of Jeremy and Steven.

Once here, João began working for the timber industry for several years before accomplishing his first goal of buying a house. He and Clara worked hard to make it a home. Soon thereafter, he realized his dream of owning his own business as a dairyman in Mckinleyville, which he maintained for 20 years until he retired. He enjoyed the ranch life and caring for his animals.

After retirement, he took pleasure in spending time with his family and friends. Family gatherings with friends and neighbors were always a highlight. He was often the life of the party with his funny, animated, sarcastic, jolly self. He kept up his garden and greenhouse where he grew a variety of fruits and vegetables . He continued his love for animals by raising his cherished birds in their own little outside shed where he fed and played music for them.

Although he appreciated all that our country provided for him and his family, João never forgot the island he originated from. He has visited his homeland a total of 27 times in 53 years since migrating here.

João was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Zulmira and Francisco; and in-laws, Manuel and Amelia Dutra.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Clara; children Fernanda Beck, John (Tina) Morais, Helder (Erika) Morais, Jeremy (Trina) Morais, Steven (Tiffany) Morais; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings Alberto, Natalia, Maria de Fatima, and Emanuel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata.

Rosary: 11 a.m.

Funeral Mass: immediately following the Rosary.

Interment: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

Pallbearers are his grandsons, Mike, Jonathan, Ryan, Tanner, Jarin, Logan and Colby.

The family is grateful for the wonderful physicians and staff that cared for João at Providence Hospital, especially Dr. Michael Palmer.

According to those who knew him he was a loving, giving, strong, hard-working man. According to others who knew him he was also a fiery, stubborn, brutely honest, unique, fireball, full of advice and never bashful about sharing it, HOA “Karen” around his neighborhood, and he had a way of critiquing you and you saying thank you when he was done. João was loved by so many and he will be deeply missed.

His smile remains a guiding presence for all who knew him.