José R. “Joe” Beatriz

José R. “Joe” Beatriz, 85, of Mattapoisett died January 30, 2020 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

            He was the husband of Kathy Downey with whom he shared 44 loving years.

Born and raised in Faro, Portugal, son of the late José G. and Alice (Aldeia) Beatriz, he immigrated to New Bedford in 1959 where he lived before moving to Mattapoisett in 1988.

            He was a humble and hardworking man who worked on his family farm from a young age in Portugal and spent most of the last 45 years on the New Bedford waterfront, as a fisherman and wholesale seafood buyer, owner of the F/V Niagara Falls and F/V Lady Jay, and founding partner of Trio Algarvio. He enjoyed his waterfront friendships and being involved with the unloading of fishing vessels.

            Joe truly loved his work and was active in his business until a few days before his death. When he wasn’t working, he loved to spend time growing vegetables in his garden, eating out, and spoiling his family endlessly.

            He will be remembered for his work ethic, strength, generosity, and the love he had for his family. He was proudest of the accomplishments of his children and the women they have become.

            Survivors include his wife; 3 daughters, Elizabeth Beatriz and her partner, Michael Klobucher of Boston; Christine (Beatriz) Balsamo and her husband, Robert of Haverhill; and Colleen Beatriz of Mattapoisett; and a granddaughter, Sofia.

            He was the brother of the late Armand Beatriz.

His funeral will be held on Saturday February 8th at 8:30 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Rita’s Church at 9:30 am. Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday, February 7th from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care in Fairhaven or the Fishing Partnership in New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

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