John F. Garanito

John F. Garanito age 87 of Taunton passed away peacefully on January 2, 2021.  He was the beloved husband of Maria Lydia (Texeira) Garanito for 66 years. Born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal he was the son of the late João Gomes Garanito and Matilde de Jesus (Gomes) Garanito.  John immigrated to the United States in 1955, settling in the Taunton area where he and Lydia were married and proudly became US citizens.  He was a carpenter by trade, began work at the former New Jersey Rubber Company, then went on to work for Fernandes Supermarkets, eventually becoming the produce manager for many years until its closing.  John had an incredible work ethic and often worked several jobs simultaneously to support his family.  In addition to the Fernandes Market, he worked second and third jobs as a part-time driving instructor at the Paiva Driving School, and at the Taunton and Raynham Dog Tracks in ticket sales.  He later worked at the Bristol County Agricultural High School in the maintenance department until his retirement in 1989.

John had many interests, he enjoyed salt water fishing on Cape Cod.  He was also an avid sports fan, especially for soccer.  In his younger days he was a member of the Taunton Sports Soccer Club where he wore many hats as clerk, manager and team recruiter.  He had an endless passion for gardening and took great pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and neighbors.  It was not unusual to find a basket of his vegetables at your doorstep.  He enjoyed making homemade wine which he also shared with many.

John was a lifetime member of the Club Sport Madeirense, Inc. in New Bedford, the Taunton Sports Club, and past member of the Portuguese American Civic Club (PACC) the Ward Five Club, and the St. Anthony Society.

John was a proud, hard working man and was always ready to lend a helping hand.  He took immense pride in his Portuguese heritage and the life he and his wife Lydia built together in the United States.  His greatest joy was his children and their families.

In addition to his wife Lydia, he is survived by his five children, Linda M. Grundy and husband Michael of Taunton, Susan D. Buttermore of Connecticut, Donna M. Davis and husband Glenn of Taunton, John N. Garanito and wife Jennifer of Middleboro, Diana G. Donovan and husband William of Raynham.

He was the proud grandfather of Janelle Palleshci, Jaclyn Poole, Lauren Grundy, Dana Buttermore, Jonathan, Jessica and Jocelyn Garanito, Garrett Davis, Graham and Katherine Donovan, and great-grandfather to Wes, Luke, and Jack Palleshi, Tucker Winslow, Amelia and Addison Poole.

He is also survived by his siblings, Teresa Andrade of Florida, Armando Garanito and wife Margarita of Taunton, Adriana Azevedo and husband Fernando of Taunton, and Judith Hernandez of Venezuela, brother-in-law of Aldonio Texeira of Lowell, MA.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Cidalia Nobrega, and brother Alvarinho Garanito.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, in the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton (at Saint Mary's Square)

Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 9:00 am, in Saint Anthony Church, School Street, Taunton. Interment will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Taunton.

Facial coverings and social distancing will be required during services. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of one’s choice in memory of John.  May he rest in peace. For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com