Born in Fall River, son of the late Joseph and Florence (Camara) Motta, he was a longtime resident of Swansea.
A Claims Representative in the Insurance industry for 20 years, he went on to obtain his Real Estate Broker’s license at Stonehill College. He and Irene began their real estate careers at Century 21 and then owned and operated Motta Real Estate together for many years. He later enjoyed working for Sears, Roebuck and Company as a floor covering sales representative.
With a passion for music, he learned to play the trumpet and harmonica. Singing was his true joy, which began in his youth in the church choir. Mr. Motta was a talented tenor with the Peloquin Chorale. Founded by composer C. Alexander Peloquin in Providence, RI, Joseph sang and traveled with the group throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. Skilled in sports, he excelled as a baseball pitcher for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and the America Legion. Mr. Motta was a communicant of St. Dominic’s Church in Swansea.
He is survived by three sons, David Motta of Somerset, Steven Motta and his wife Julie of Lincoln, RI and Michael Motta and his wife Donna of Assonet; one daughter, Cheryl Couto and her husband Richard of Assonet; and eight grandchildren, Jason Couto, Grace Couto, Kelsie Couto, Amanda Motta, Ashley Motta, Katie Motta, Luke Motta and Nicholas Motta. He was the father of the late Joseph Motta.
His Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Dominic’s Church, 1277 GAR Highway, Swansea, followed by burial at Vinnicum Woods Cemetery, Swansea. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Contributions in his honor may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, 1760 Centre St, Suite A, Rapid City, SD 57703, https://www.npcf.us/donate-directly/
