Jose F. Leal Afonso

Jose F. Leal Afonso, 76, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted and loving husband to his late wife, Ana Afonso, with whom he shared a lifetime of love.

Born on May 28, 1949, in Mourilhe, Montalegre, Trás-os-Montes, Portugal, Jose was raised there and proudly served in the Portuguese Army. He was the beloved son of the late Domingos and Maria Batista (Leal) Afonso.

A man of faith, Jose was a communicant of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception Church, where he found comfort and spiritual strength. He came to America in 1976, building a strong work ethic through his years at Knapp Shoes and Chamberlain, before spending the remainder of his career at the Albert J. Welch Corporation until his retirement. A proud member of the International Laborers’ Union, Local 22, Jose was deeply proud of his work and cherished the moments spent sharing job-site stories with his children and grandchildren, who listened with joy.

Jose will be remembered for his devotion to family. A loving and loyal husband, father, and grandfather, he found his greatest joy in the company of those he loved. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife, his two sons, and their families, creating treasured memories together. Jose also cherished evening walks after dinner as the sun set. His grandchildren especially loved hearing his stories of growing up in Portugal—tales of caring for cows in his small village and even fighting off wolves in the mountains. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his sons, Daniel Afonso of New Bedford, and John Afonso and his wife, Kelli, of Dartmouth; and by his seven beloved grandchildren: Kyla, Dakotah, Tarel, Essence, Talan, Chase, and Vally. He was a dear brother to Antonio Afonso, João Afonso, Manuel Afonso, Fatima Afonso Pires, and Rosinha Afonso Barros, all of Mourilhe, Montalegre, Trás-os-Montes, Portugal, and also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Jose was predeceased by his brother, Domingos Leal Afonso of Acushnet, and his sisters, Maria Leal Afonso, Virginia Afonso Carvalho, and Ana Afonso Almeida, all of Mourilhe, Montalegre, Trás-os-Montes, Portugal.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. His funeral will take place on Tuesday, January 13, at 9:00 A.M. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Boulevard Funeral Home, 223 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.