Candido Almeida

Candido Almeida, age 86 of Taunton, passed away suddenly at All American Assisted Living in Raynham on July 18, 2022.

He was the beloved and devoted husband of the late Maria Luisa (Santos) Almeida.

Born in Mesquitela, Portugal, he was the son of the late Joaquim and Maria (Conceição) Almeida.

Candido was born in 1936 in Portugal during difficult times.  He grew up in a rural setting, but his love of education began at a very early age. As a 10-year old, in addition to working on the family farm, he began working in the successful De Matias Foundry.  His hard work, commitment to excellence and desire to learn everything about the business led to becoming the foundry’s Forman at the time of his departure for America.

As an adult he met the love of his life, Luisa.  They began their romance via written letters. Their communication grew with greater frequency until they both knew there was something incredibly special here.  The foundation was strong and would last until 2015 when Luisa passed.

They married on New Year’s Eve.  Candido emigrated to the United States in April of 1968.  With a family started, and a job at Poole Silver he began the difficult process of assimilating to a new land, language and culture.  Luckily, there were great friends that have lasted throughout his lifetime to help make the transition easier.  He fit right in with Luisa’s existing circle of friends and family. Lifelong friends such as Rosa and Virgilio, Babe and Joe, Idilio and Alice helped him become comfortable and start to succeed in this new land.

In 1969, he began work at Fernandes Supermarkets Warehouse in Norton.  Here he made another friend, John. They remained friends until his passing.

At this time, he again turned to education to improve his lot in life, and his family’s.  In short order he began English as a second language classes. Here he met great teachers that helped him master his new language and obtain his G.E.D. on the first try. At the 5-year mark in the U.S. he became an American citizen. That was one of the proudest days in his life.

After earning his G.E.D. he moved on to B.C.C. in Fall River.  He completed his studies there, but education never stopped for him. He would be a lifelong learner and always curious to learn anything he did not know.

In the late 70’s things were very difficult in America.  Companies were closing or laying off their employees.  Candido saw the handwriting on the wall.  He began searching for a new challenge.  He looked into a newly built scientific company in the Myles Standish Industrial Park.  Having no experience in the industry, even his devoted wife lovingly teased him about applying and interviewing.  He was remained determined.  On February 20, 1979, he began the final work life chapter at Waters Associates (Later becoming Waters Corporation.)  His passion for learning and a desire to be the best he could be led to over 30 years at a job that he truly loved.  As he grew increasingly proficient at his new trade, he lovingly became known as the “The Particle Sizing Magician.” Although there were many trying times over the years, the hardest of all was the day he retired.  He was so distraught leaving those that he considered his family.

Aside from work and school Candido was very civic minded and remained enormously proud of his Portuguese roots.  He participated in many organizations and activities to help educate and improve his surroundings.  One such endeavor was to help build, from the ground up, the Portuguese School at the Taunton Sports Club. Here he built great friendships with many involved with the club and the school, most notably António and Manuel.  He, and several likeminded visionaries, built a school that provided a foundational education teaching Taunton area students how to read, write in Portuguese and its history.  He remained involved with the school well after his children had graduated.  He wanted to ensure that the school would thrive and provide quality Portuguese education to future generations.

At this time Candido also became involved with Dighton Rock in Berkley, MA.  The state park built around a rock in the Taunton River, with inscriptions and carvings attributed to several cultures and nationalities. The history and what the park meant to the local area inspired him. He would devote over 20 years and worked with several organizations and groups to help preserve the park, help it remain an attraction and educate others about its beauty and heritage. This project also led to a friendship with Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva who was a pioneer to save the park.  This friendship would expand over the years and led to many collaborations, discussions and challenges of whit and knowledge.

Candido was a devoted father and husband.  He was always looking for ways to enrich their lives and impart his love of education and constant learning, much to their chagrin at times.  Later they would thank him for his constant effort.  He spent many hours in the garden that he and Luisa built growing so many fruits and vegetables.  Family and friends were always getting care packages with the assorted surprises from the garden.  The only part he hated about gardening was that his least favorite friends, the mosquitoes would drive him into the house.

He was also a very handy person.  There were never ending projects that would involve the whole family (another unappreciated lesson at the time.)  He would constantly have a project involving his cars or the house.  Most of the time, at the beginning of the project he did not know how to complete it.  By the end, he had mastered yet another skill. He would lovingly offer these skills to his family and friends.

Later, life presented many twists and turns impacting Candido and his family’s life.  This led to a new area of education.  With Luisa suffering from Alzheimer’s and his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he devoted his time to learning about the diseases.  He read, attended seminars, and went to symposiums to learn how to live with, and how to improve their lives even when in the middle of such trying times.   These times were also built around the newest family member, Magnum.  The trusted beagle would spend hours with both and be their trusty guide during their many walks around their neighborhood.

Unfortunately, as the Alzheimer’s progressed and Luisa could do less and less, he transitioned yet again to faithful caregiver, along with his children. As the care became increasingly difficult so did Candido’s resolve.  He would still go to help feed Luisa right up to her last days. Many would say, “she doesn’t recognize you, why do you go?”  He would respond, “at an early point in their lives together they committed to each other, so even if she didn’t show it, she KNEW who he was.”

After her passing in 2015, he then had to shift attention to his personal care as he was progressing.  With the help of his children, he embarked on a journey that was both miraculous and painful.  He kept fighting right to the last days. Teaching us all that life is to be lived and don’t take anything, or anyone, for granted.

He is survived by his children Stephen A. Almeida and Ann Marie Almeida, his brother Joaquim Almeida and his wife Dalila (Portugal), his sister Celeste Almeida (Portugal) and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Manuel Almeida (Brazil).

Our Thanks to the staff at the All American for their loving care over the last year and to Companionate Care Hospice group for their services.

Mr. Almeida’s funeral with visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 8am from the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at Annunciation of the Lord Church, First Street Taunton.

Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts made to:  American Parkinson’s Disease Association via mail: APDA MA, 85 East Concord Street (ground floor), Boston MA 02118 {in Check Memo include Candido Almeida} or on website at https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/massachusetts/ways-to-give-ma/donate/ {in Note/Memo field include Candido Almeida}

In Candido’s memory would be deeply appreciated.

For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com.