Mr. Jose Luis "Joseph" Gaspar

June 11, 1940 - July 27, 2014

Jose Luis “Joseph” Gaspar Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather LOWELL—Joseph L. Gaspar, 74, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2014 at his home following a courageous one year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was the beloved husband of Mary Jo (DaSilva) Gaspar who survives him. Born in Madeira, Portugal on June 11, 1940, Jose Luis was a son of the late Luis and Concesao Gaspar. He attended high school at Lisbonence College in Funchal, Madeira in the 1950’s. Enrolling in the Portuguese Army in 1961, Joseph served in Porto and in Sao Miguel, Azores. In 1962, he fought in the Civil War in Angola, Africa for over three years. He was discharged from the Army as a 2nd Sergeant. Joseph came to the United States in 1966 and has resided in Lowell, MA. In 1970 he became an American Citizen. Joseph was married to Mary Jo (DaSilva) Gaspar, and together they raised three daughters. While he had no boys of his own, his daughters gave him grandsons to cherish. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Gaspar worked for many years at Bradford Industries in the Shipping Department. One of Jose Luis’s greatest joys was visiting his native country every year. He enjoyed tending to his gardens and fruit trees there. Jose did everything together with his wife Mary Jo. He adored his daughters and was very proud of all of his grandsons. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Sunday Dinners at his home were always a special family time that will forever be a cherished memory. Jose Luis was affectionately known to his family as “Dr. Gaspar.” Jose Luis was a parishioner of the Sacred Heart Church until its closing. He then attended St. Anthony’s Church. Jose Luis belonged to the Portuguese American Civic League of Lowell. Surviving Jose Luis are his wife Mary Jo Gaspar of Lowell; his three daughters, Connie DeGregorio and her fiancé Brad Simmons of Chester, NH, Susan Doherty and her companion Michael Gys of Lowell, and Lisa Hoag and her husband Greg of Chelmsford; his grandsons, Cameron and Adam DeGregorio of Tewksbury, Jake and Thomas Doherty of Lowell, and Nathan, Evan, and Alec Hoag of Chelmsford; Jose Luis was the grandfather of the late Owen DeGregorio. He also leaves his brother, Lelio Gaspar of Lowell and his children, Shawn, Timothy, Lelio, Jr., James, and Sonia Gaspar and his great nephew Noah, all of Lowell; his in-laws, Celeste Stanomir and her husband George of Chelmsford, Maria Johnson and her husband Walter of Tyngsboro, Joe Silva and his wife Anna of Lowell, Grace Olson of Wells, ME, John DaSilva and his wife Cheryl of Chelmsford, Theresa Cosier and late husband James of Hudson, NH, Isabel Dovale and her husband Joe of Lowell, and Laura Flanders and her husband Russell of Lowell; many nieces and nephews; his former son-in-law, Robert DeGregorio of Tewksbury; and many family members, extended family and friends in Portugal and throughout New England. FUNERAL NOTICE GASPAR—In Lowell, July 27, 2014 at his home, Jose Luis “Joseph” Gaspar, 74, the beloved husband of Mary Jo (DaSilva) Gaspar. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on WEDNESDAY MORNING from 10 A.M. until 12 Noon. Mr. Gaspar’s Funeral Mass will follow on WEDNESDAY at 12:30 P.M. in the afternoon at ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH, 893 Central St. Lowell. His burial will follow in Our Lady of Fatima Section of St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Lowell. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222. www.faymccabe.com