Obituary of Joao P. Vilaranda

A resident of Chatham, Joao Vilaranda died peacefully feeling the love of all his family in his heart at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the age of 91. Predeceased by his wife of 57 years Maria Vilaranda and survived by eleven children and their spouses, Manuel & Julia Vilaranda, Antonio & Brenda Vilaranda, Teresa & John Ferreira, Maria & BoaVentura Lopes, Miquelina & Jose Martinho, Firmino & Jody Vilaranda, Joe & Helen Vilaranda, Fernando & Tina Vilaranda, Anabela & Nelson Cavacas, Carlos & Amelia Vilaranda and Margaret & Joe Pisquem, all of Chatham-Kent. Predeceased by two children, Antonia and Jose. Cherished Grandfather to Tony (Jeannot), Susan (Matt), Elizabeth (Brian), Jennifer (Steve), Victor, Sylvia (Eric), Annete (Chris), Michael, Steve (Vanessa), Melissa (Michael), Vincent (Amanda), Kyle, Brian (Molly), Matthew, Tyler, Ashley (Ryan), Brandon (Olivia), Amanda (Jason), Alexandra, Jayden, Julian, Gabriella, Vanessa & Nicholas and predeceased by a grandchild Giselle. Cherished Great Grandfather to Cruz, Giada, Nova, Benicio, Xavier, Siena, Max, Cecilia, Fiona, Chloe, Tiago, Zoe, Benjamin & Everleigh.

Joao was born in Chaves, Tras-os- Montes, Portugal and together with Maria and eight children, came to Canada seeking a better life for the family in 1967. It was the hard work and determination put forth by Joao & Maria that led to the successes and good life their family now enjoys. There were many hardships and obstacles along the way but together as a family they overcame each and every hurdle and became stronger. Joao cherished being together with his big FAMILIA at the many family celebrations over the years. Everyone could see the joy and pride in his face as he sat back at a family gathering. He provided a strong and solid foundation for each of his children based in his faith and love of the Lord.

Joao was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his harvest with family, friends and neighbours. He enjoyed playing his accordion and entertaining at family functions. He was a spiritual man and prayed the rosary daily and he will be fondly remembered for his many stories of old days gone by. Rest in Peace, Pai. You can now join your beautiful wife in Eternal Glory.  Give her a big hug for us.

Private visitation will be held and a private funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

Donations in memory of Joao are appreciated and can be made to the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes or the National Catholic Broadcasting Station (for televised daily Masses).

Please click on this link to view a photo tribute of Joao Vilaranda https://photos.app.goo.gl/eLJDH14KkJLmx5mU9

Please click this link for the Youtube broadcast from the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes