"It was with great sadness that I received the information that John had passed away. I met John over 30 years ago, in the Azores, when I was a tour guide. We met regularly both in the Azores and in the U.S. The last time I saw him was at the signature of a protocol between the University of the Azores and RIC, a couple of years ago.He was a good friend. My condolences to his family and friends.My thoughts and prayers are with them.Luís AndradeProfessor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of the Azores"
In loving memory of
John Alves Lema
August 23, 2014
Newport, RI - John Alves Lema, 90, a lifelong resident of Newport, died Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Grand Islander Health Care Center Middletown.He was the eldest son of Mary and John Lima. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1942 and broadened his education by attending classes at Salve Regina University and the University of Rhode Island. John was dedicated to his catholic faith at Jesus Saviour Church and was appointed as one of the first lay readers when that responsibility was entrusted to lay people. He was a member of the Vasco da Gama Society, Newport Preservation Society, Sachuest Wildlife, Middletown Historical Society and AARP Newport chapter. John enjoyed travel. He traveled the world and made many trips to Portugal, Azore Islands and the Madeira Islands. He shared his enthusiasm for travel and arts with friends and AARP members and arranged many events for them to attend. His interests were extensive and included Portuguese culture, music (fado, jazz, opera and classical), theatre, tennis, Red Sox and beaching at Easton's. He was a crossword puzzle enthusiast and often completed with accuracy those in the New York Times. John retired from the U.S. Naval Base and the Underwater Ordnance Station. He is survived by his brother Albert J. Lima of Bridgeport, CT, his aunt Francelina Veader of Rehoboth, MA who celebrated her 100years in March of 2014, many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph A. Lima. He was fortunate to have had the attentiveness and kindness of friends especially Anthony and Nona Caputi, and Robert and Carolyn Silva and their respective families.Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 1, 2014, from 4-7pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at 10:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown.In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory to the Lema-Fernandes Portuguese Study Abroad Scholarship Fund at Rhode Island College would be appreciated. Please send checks payable to "Rhode Island College Foundation", c/o Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies, Forman Center 201, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation SEP 1. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service SEP 2. 11:00 AM Jesus Savior Church Broadway at Vernon Ave Newport, RI, US, 02840
Tributes
"N lit a candle in memory of John Alves Lema"
"My condolences to the Lema family. Mr. Lema was a good friend of my mom and her friends, and my uncle Frank, among others. A really nice guy. Great loss to those who knew him and to all of Newport."
"My heart is broken, John was always such a joy to have at the Holiday dinner table and it brings me much happiness and comfort that he was able to share Easter with my family and the Silva family just this past April. Always a story teller, he was interesting and had such a great sense of humor not to mention his classy well dressed style. I will miss John but I will also cherish the many memories I have of him.God Bless Kate Avallone"
"Albert, our deepest sympathy and prayers are offered to you at this sad time. Our family will always remember John and his zest for life and fellow man. How proud you must be to know of the beautiful memories John has created for people by his kindness and caring for others. Your parents would be proud of his humble achievements. It is sad that such a wonderful person can not live among us forever. Fondly, John, Mary, Kirstin and Annie Short"
"My deepest sympathy to the family of John Lema on the loss of John. John was a friend of my late father and was a groomsman at my parents wedding in 1957. My parents and I lived near him on Eustis Avenue for a few years. I last saw John when he came to my mother's wake in January 2013. It was a comfort to see him. Barbara Kivlehan Glover"
"God blessing you in his Glory!"
"My deepest sympathy to your family Albert I have a lot of good memories of Eustis Avenue abd your brother Joe - always looked forward to Rogers Alumni luncheon while he and I would catch up on the lastest news of yesterdays Fondly Barbara (Dawley)Gallipeau"
"John was a special friend to me and a great champion of the Portuguese language and culture. Thanks to his great philanthropy and vision, many students at Rhode Island College have been able to advance their studies in Portuguese and Lusophone Studies. His verve, his love of life and travel is an inspiration. I will miss our long talks and visits.My heartfelt sympathies to his family and close friends. We will miss him greatly.Marie Fraley"
"I am so sorry for your loss. There are heartwarming and encouraging promises from the Bible that can bring much comfort and hope and strength to your family at this most difficult time. Perhaps reflecting on these scriptures will give you what's needed to assure your family of God's love: Job 14:14,15; Psalms 55:22; Psalms 94:19; Isaiah 25:8, Acts 24:15; Revelation 21:4."
"As president of Rhode island College, I wish to express my sympathy to John's family. He was a thoughtful and generous man. Nancy Carriuolo"