John S. Machado, Warren

John S. “Machadinho” Machado passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in the nursing facility that he co-founded with his wife.

Born in Sao Miguel, the Azores, John was the son of the late Manuel and Maria (Elias) Machado. He was a stone mason in his home country and his work may still be viewed along the sidewalks of Ponta Delgada.

John immigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1957, sponsored by the Heinz Company, which was seeking young men for work. John worked as a farm hand and yacht club attendant, all while perfecting his Portuguese folk music. He was quite skilled at a style of music involving rhyming lyrics with dueling singers. The last person who was able to complete the song with a witty rhyme was the winner. He also was asked to collaborate on a record album with a Canadian friend, composing his own music and lyrics.

It was while traveling for a singing engagement that he met Linda Moniz, the nurse whom he would marry in 1960. Together they raised two children, John Francis and Mary Elizabeth. He was employed by the Hasenfeld Brothers, better known as Hasbro Toy Company, and helped produce such iconic toys as Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe. Sharing his wife's dream of opening a nursing home, he built Grace Barker Nursing Center in 1966, completing some of the finish work and masonry around the building. He later founded Health Care Suppliers, which would later become the building housing The Willows Assisted Living and Adult Day Care.

However, one of his proudest moments was becoming a naturalized American citizen. Whenever someone would ask where he was from he would always state the Azores but would add that he was now an American citizen. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, visiting the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska, the USSR, and Jerusalem. He also enjoyed fishing, working in his garden, caring for his grapes and turning them into his homemade wine! He also enjoyed helping others with their gardening challenges.

John will be remembered as a gentleman, always tipping his cap when meeting someone and always taking the time to listen. One of his favorite sayings was, “You do not sharpen your sailing skills on calm seas.” His soulful blue eyes and warm smile will be missed but are preserved in the memory of all who knew him.

He leaves his son, John (Nancy) Machado; his daughter, Mary Beth (Mark) Lescault; and his grandsons Benjamin and Ethan Lescault, whom he adored and spent much time with. He also leaves a brother, Antone Machado of Bretanha, Azores; a sister, Maria Tavares of Ontario, Canada; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda (Moniz), and his brothers Joseph, Manuel, Francisco and Joaquim.

He was a communicant and founding member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He

was also a member of the Prince Henry Club of Rhode Island and the Santo Christo Club, Fall River.

Arrangements are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, where family will receive friends from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Funeral services will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. in St Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave., Warren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Barker Nursing Center, 54 Barker Ave., Warren, RI 02885 Staff Enrichment Fund, or simply perform a random act of kindness in John's memory.