10/07/2026
João Bettencourt Alvernaz
1936 - 2026
It is with great sadness that the family of João Bettencourt Alvernaz announce his peaceful passing on October 4, 2026, at the age of 90.
Beloved husband of the late Maria Ema Alvernaz, João was a devoted father to Fernanda (Walter) Medeiros and Rui Alvernaz. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Robert (Mallory) Medeiros, Daniel (Sarah) Medeiros, Denise (Kyle) Brady, Alisha Alvernaz, Nathan (Nicole) Alvernaz, and Joshua (Ally) Alvernaz, and a cherished great-grandfather to Wyatt Medeiros, Owen Brady, and Mila Medeiros. João will be lovingly remembered by his sister Fatima (Luis) Neves, his sister-in-law Fernanda Goulart, and by his nieces and nephew, Lucy Dias, Luis Neves, and Sandra Goulart. He will be greatly missed by many cousins in California and the Azores, Portugal, as well as his cherished extended family in his beloved São João, Pico, and in Strathroy. He was predeceased by his parents, João and Inácia Alvernaz, and his siblings, Thiers Goulart, Lucia Macedo, and Dionísia Alvernas.
João immigrated to Canada from São João, Pico, with his wife and two children in 1967. The family settled in Strathroy, where João worked at Glendale Mobile Homes for 15 years before eventually returning to his beloved Pico. A blacksmith by trade, João was truly a jack of all trades. He had a gift for working with his hands and especially loved carpentry, creating treasured pieces for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Among his proudest accomplishments was the beautiful tongue-and-groove ceiling he crafted for Casa Espírito Santo in São João. He volunteered his time and talents with great joy and passion, always giving back to the community he loved. Joao also dedicated many years to a local marching band, serving on its Board of Directors. Although he never played an instrument himself, he was deeply passionate about the organization and was loved and respected throughout the community for his generosity and dedication.
Above all else, João's greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren. Nothing, however, brought him more happiness than having his great-grandchildren close by. The love he shared with them and the happiness they brought into his life will remain a cherished part of his legacy.
Family and friends will be received at Denning's of Strathroy on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, Strathroy, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, with a luncheon to be held afterward for family and friends, at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.