Joaquim Rodrigues Cancio

Joaquim Rodrigues Cancio, 89, sadly passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at UMASS Memorial Marlborough Hospital after a brief but brave battle with Covid-19.

Joaquim started life in 1931 in Vila Nova de Gaia-Porto, Portugal. He joined the Portuguese army in his late teens. Once discharged, he moved to Luanda, Angola in 1954. There, he began his career working for the Ministry of Health in Angola as the Chief General of Transportation. He helped transport medical personnel, clothing, food, and medical supplies to individuals and families suffering from leprosy. Here, he met the love of his life and later married her at the age of 30. Together, they built a life together and grew to a family of 4. In 1975, the Angolan Civil War began. By 1976, it had become too dangerous to remain in the country. This forced him to move his family to the United States in June of 1976. He soon was capable of obtaining a home for his family in Hudson, MA while working several different jobs. He worked at Entwistle in Hudson, MA as a machinist and a painter for Data General where he later retired from in 1993 at the age of 62. After retirement, Joaquim and his wife, Maria Helena would travel to Chaves, Portugal, frequently to vacation and visit family; bringing along his beloved children and grandchildren.

Joaquim spent 60 years by the side of his beloved wife. He was a caring and hardworking man. He was always willing to help those around him. One of his favorite past times was listening to soccer games on the radio when his favorite Futebol Clube do Porto was playing. He would start his weekends scanning the local paper for the best deals on groceries. He was the man behind the grill cooking his delicious codfish and roasted red peppers. He was always passionate about food and tending to his garden. He loved his diet soda and an occasional cup of wine mixed with 7up! He adored his children and grandchildren. His bond with his grandchildren was so incredibly strong that he would even bring them to his second job, just so he wouldn’t be without them. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and loved a good conversation.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maria Helena Ferreira Cancio of Hudson, MA; his son, Aires Rogerio Ferreira Cancio of Hudson, MA; his daughter, Manuela Cancio Serra and her husband Eusebio Serra of Hudson, MA; his sister, Alcina Domingues Cancio Silva and Her Husband Alvaro Silva From Porto, Portugal; his grandchildren: Rogerio Cancio and his spouse Lori R. Ferreira of Leominster, MA, Monica Serra and her husband Johnathan Jouki of Leominster, MA,

Dylan Eusebio Cancio Serra of Hudson, MA, Vanessa Cancio Serra of Hudson, MA and Anna Sophia Oliveira Braga of Stow, MA; his great-grandchildren: Ella Lynn Cancio and Emme Rae Cancio of Leominster, MA; a niece, Augusta Silva From Porto, Portugal and nephew, Alvaro Silva From Porto, Portugal along with several cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by his sister, Feliciana Pinto.

All are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 9:00am in St. Michael Parish, 21 Manning Street, Hudson, MA 01749 followed by burial in St. Michael Cemetery, Hudson.