João Pestana

João Pestana age 92, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away peacefully at home in Dixon, California on August 16, 2024. He was born in São Vicente, Madeira Island, Portugal, and was the son of the late António Pestana and Maria de Jesus. João is also predeceased by his brothers Manuel, Marculino, and Alexandre as well as his sisters Teresa and Maria, in addition he is predeceased by his youngest son Alexandre, who he will be laid to rest beside.

João is survived by his former wife of 25 years Maria Eduarda Arruda. His brother José. His sisters Assunção, Conceição, and Segunda. His children João Eduardo A. Pestana, Emanuel A. Pestana (Gladys), Luis Carlos A. Pestana (Mia), and his only daughter Maria Filomena Prudhomme (Frank). Grandchildren Emanuel B. Pestana (Leah), Jeremy B. Pestana (Lei), Casandra Leigh B. Pestana, Amanda Squillari, Meghan Johnston, Andrew M. Squillari and Eric O'francia. Great grandchildren Carissa Pestana, Caden Pestana, Liam Pestana, Adalei Pestana, Ezra O'Francia, Ezekiel O'Francia, Gianna O'Francia-Escobar, Russel Bennett, Francesca Bennett. João is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

João is a veteran of the Portuguese Army and received an honorable discharge. He worked at Lajes Air Base, Terçeira, Açores, Portugal, as a supply specialist. He immigrated to the United States in 1973 where he worked at Huyck Felt Mill Co. until August 31, 1984, when the company closed. He moved to Seattle Washington where he worked as a home health care provider for many years before moving to Dixon, California, in 1995 to live with his son Emanuel.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral Mass at 10am on Wednesday August 28, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick St., Rensselaer. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.