Joseph C. Madeiros, fanatic about golf
Joseph C. Madeiros, 85, of Willards, Md., formerly of Dover, died at home Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. Locally known for his passion for golf or as “the kite man,” he was born Thursday, April 9, 1931, in Bermuda, to the late Joseph Cabral Madeiros and Ambronzina DeSilva Madeiros.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Margaret Rose Madeiros; brothers, Manuel Cabral Madeiros and Clement DeSilva Madeiros; sister, Mary DeMello; and grandson, Jason Lee Diehl.
Joseph’s survivors include his three children, daughter Patricia Ann Seaman and her husband Bill, son Harold Joseph Madeiros, and daughter Mary Jonelle Jones and her husband William; seven grandchildren, Benjamin “Daniel” Burrows, Alicia Marie Herbert, Michael Joseph Madeiros, Joshua Kyle Madeiros, Kristen Marie Wisner, Michelle Lynne Triplett, Jacqueline Danielle Riley; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Joseph is also survived by his sister Rose Cabral Madeiros; brother James Cabral Madeiros and his wife Margaret; sister-in-law Judy Madeiros; cousin Arthur Lopes and his wife Marguerite; and two brothers-in-law, Victor Dawson and James Dawson, as well as numerous other family members who reside in Bermuda and Canada.
Joseph enjoyed sports as a younger man. His games were English soccer, rugby, and cricket. He would ride past the “Sport Field” when we visited back home in Bermuda and he always shared, “See! I played a many of games right there!” No, no golf yet, not until after he met the love of his life and married.
Joseph had wonderful, full employment opportunities. He traveled what he called “the world” upon the Queen Elizabeth. His favorite port was New York City. He and a group, normally only three, would “hire” a car and travel up to Boston. That’s where the Madeiros family settled. Dad always had to hunt, seek out and find his family. This was a lifelong family adventure that continued even as he himself had a family.
The love bug finally hit home and Aug. 22, 1955, Joseph married the love of his life and settled for life in his home country Bermuda. He worked many trades, mechanical, repairing autos, driving a taxi, painting exterior roofs and homes, and finally bartending. He always said he liked this best, because it allowed for him to golf during the day. He worked the bar at night.
PS! It was the love of his life, Margaret who bought Joseph his first set of golf clubs.
Joseph’s search for family and competitiveness for more encouraged him and mom to immigrate to the USA, and in 1968 they began the transition here for our family and finally in March of 1969, they were able to bring our entire family to the USA, at the ripe young age of 37.
Joseph was so proud to have received his Green Card that he went back to get his citizenship for this great country, which he did receive. He then attempted to sign up for the Armed Services, but by then he was pushing 40 and they told him he was too old.
Joseph was working the entire time, as you guessed it, first as a bartender, but then he was hired by Riechhold Chemical Co. and worked there as a chemical operator. His various duties not only included mixing different chemicals that made latex, but also cleaning out reactors that these chemicals were mixed in. Joseph worked the swing shift which again allowed for him to continue his golf game. Joseph retired from Reichhold in February 1992.
Joseph enjoyed numerous years of playing golf at Garrisons Lake, Jonathan’s Landing, and most recently Ocean Resort. He lived for Mondays and Thursdays, his Berlin and Ocean City golfing days. Thursday was “scramble” golf day. He would make sure that his champion Geezer shirt was fresh and clean for wear! Mondays he played different local Ocean City golf courses. He had his favorite courses, but he would play them all, and then come home and give the lowdown! Cabin fever never set in for Joseph because we would break out the Wii and start bowling and there his competitiveness side would perk right back up; and dare to do the fitness challenge and his age dropped below 50!
A Memorial Service in Celebration of Joseph’s Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. Fellowship will follow immediately after in the church’s social hall.
Interment of ashes will be at the convenience of the family in Bermuda.
Contributions in celebration of Joseph’s life can be made to: First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842, 410-289-9340, or Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21804. Arrangements are in the care of Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
Letters of condolence may be sent to burbage@burbagefuneralhome.com.
