Joseph M. Lima, Frfd, Ret.

Joseph Lima (1926-2024) left an impression on all who met him. The stories he told had a lasting effect.
He was kind, spirited, heroic, and brave. On the morning of Saturday, May 18, 2024 Joe passed away, he
was 97 years young. While a piece of our hearts broke, our memories of him and all of the stories that
he shared are helping to mend those cracks.

Joe was born on December 15, 1926 to the late Manuel M. Lima Sr. and Maria (Rodrigues) Lima. He was
the middle sibling to two brothers (the late Manuel M. Lima Jr. and John “Barry” M. Lima). He was a spit
fire from a young age and although he was small, he was mighty. On May 27, 1950 Joe married his
beautiful wife Germaine “Evelyn” (Borges). Germaine certainly showed her true love for Joe and began
her wifely duties the minute she said “I do” by attending a double header baseball game in NYC during
their honeymoon. The Red Sox lost both games, but Joe still loved to tell the story about seeing Ted
Williams play. If that doesn’t tell you what an avid sports fan he was then nothing will.
Joe was a United States Navy veteran who served in WWII at the Battle of Okinawa. After his service he
joined the City of Fall River Fire Department, retiring after 35 years with the rank of Lieutenant. During
retirement he enjoyed spending time with family and going for long walks through the city, he was
regularly recognized by community members on his walking routes. He was a dedicated member of the
Fall River Liberal Club, where he not only held the rank as longest member, but also served on the board
for many years. He met many of his lifelong friends at the Liberal Club and attended every event,
including the annual Christmas Party which he was able to attend most recently in December 2022 with
many of his great-grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife, Germaine, of 74 years; his three children, Richard Lima (wife Cynthia), Karen
Rezendes (husband James), and Joanne Vierra (husband Bruce); his grandchildren Chad Vierra, Cory
Lima, Holly Vierra, Erin Ballard, Keri Rezendes, Amy Doar, Casie Loper, Amanda Corey, Kaitlin Rezendes,
Jillian Silva, Garrett Vierra; several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Tuesday,  May 28th from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St., Fall River.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church, Stafford Road, Fall River.

Burial, St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.