Jose R. Valcorba

Jose R. Valcorba, age 80, of Taunton, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at Rhode Island Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born in Feteiras do Sul, Sao Miguel, Azores, Jose was the son of the late Jose Cabral Valcorba and Mariana (Reis) Valcorba.

From a young age, Jose was an integral part of his family's carpentry business in Sao Miguel, working alongside his father and brother to craft horse and cow-drawn carriages, wine barrels, coffins, and to build and repair homes throughout the village. What made his contributions all the more remarkable was that Jose accomplished this while living with blindness since the age of four a challenge his determination and work ethic never allowed to define him. So respected was his craftsmanship that he became known throughout the village as "Mestre Jose" Master Jose. In 1968, the family immigrated to the United States.

Before retiring, Jose spent more than 20 years as a material cutter at Cocran Shoe (Acme Boot Company), until the company relocated from the area.

In his personal life, Jose treasured time with family and friends, loved a good joke, and was a devoted fan of Benfica soccer. He carried his passion for carpentry into retirement, crafting handmade carriages that he donated as auction pieces to raise funds for several Holy Ghost Societies.

Jose is survived by his loving son, Steven Valcorba, and his wife Sandy of Middleboro; his cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Xavier, and Issac; and many nieces, nephew, and cousins. He is also survived by his brother, Fernando Valcorba, and his wife Berta; his sister, Ernestina Resendes, and her husband Joseph, all of Taunton. He was preceded in death by his siblings Manuel Araujo of New Bedford, Orminda Santos of Taunton, and Laura Oliveira of Bristol Rhode Island.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, beginning at 3:00 PM, with a funeral service at 6:00 PM, in the chapel of the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary's Square), Taunton. Additional parking with handicap access is available on the north side of the funeral home.

Burial will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Cancer Society or a charitable organization of your choice in Jose's memory.

To sign the online guestbook, plant a tree in his memory, or light a memorial candle, please visit www.silvafuneralhome.com.