Jose Leonardo Escobar

Jose L. Escobar, 72, of New Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved companion of Madalena Batista with whom he shared 7 years together.

Born in Flamengos, Faial, Portugal, he was the son of the late Jose P. and Mariana Rosa (Martins) Escobar.

Jose was the owner of Escobar Siding for many years until he retired, was an Associate Member of Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento Inc. and he enjoyed working on their parade floats and helping them with the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. He had a strong-willed stamina who enjoyed music, dancing, traveling around the world, and watching his favorite soccer team, Benfica. Jose made his own wine, planted vegetables, and was a jack of all trade. Family was very important, especially spending time with his grandchildren and his dog, Ozzy, who was always by his side. His political views were always known and opinions were always expressed. Jose touched many lives and he will be deeply missed.

Surviving in addition to his companion, Madalena, are his 3 loving children, Jeffrey Escobar and his wife Shonda of Acushnet, Stephanie Silva and her husband Jason of Fall River, and Kelly Melo and her husband Bruno of Acushnet; his sisters, Maria Lurdes Texeira of New Bedford, and Maria A. Dufault and her husband Donald of RI.; 7 grandchildren, Hannah Rose Escobar, Matthew Escobar Melo, Leah Grace Escobar, Ethan Joseph Silva, Isabel Marie Melo, Leila Rose Silva, and Bruno Melo Jr.; 4 nephews, Jason Medeiros, Bryan Medeiros, Phillip Medeiros and Andrew Silvia. He was the uncle of the late A.D. Silvia III.

His funeral will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 8:30am from the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1359 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. His visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM in the ROCK Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. For on-line tributes, please visit our website at www.rock-funeralhome.com