NEW BEDFORD-Joao Dias Desousa Luis, 91, of New Bedford passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Monday, February 12, 2024. He was the loving husband of 62 years to Maria DeLourdes (Andrade) Luis.

Born in Calheta, Sao Jorge, Azores, Portugal, son of the late Raul Dias deSousa Luis and Rosa DeConeicao (Dias) Luis, he came to New Bedford in 1968 and had been a machine operator at American Flexible Conduit.  Joao served in the Portuguese Army prior to coming to the US. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, reading, watching all sports, he played soccer for Maritimo soccer team in Angra, Terceira and was a fan of Sporting soccer team. He loved his family.

He is survived by his loving wife;  two daughters, Susan A. Slancauskas and her husband James and Cynthia L. Gifford and her husband Peter all of New Bedford;  seven grandchildren, Heather L. Anderson and her husband Nicholas, Christie M. Hoffman and her partner Aaron DeMello, James Slancauskas, Samantha, Michael, Madison Rosa and Reed Gifford; seven great grandchildren, Alicia, Allison, Ella, Abbagayle, Noah, Jeffrey and Alanna;  a brother Jose Luis and his wife Christina of the Azores and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes he will be cremated and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Rivet Street, New Bedford on Saturday February 24, 2024 at 10AM. Interment will be private. Arrangements are by the Donaghy New Day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford.  For memorial register please visit, www.newdayfunerals.com.