Joao A. Horta

Joao Alberto was born in Foz do Arelho, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal on April 29, 1951 to Sofia and Joao Horta. After serving in the Portuguese military in Angola for two years, he immigrated to the United States in 1975 and settled in Riverside, New Jersey with his family. Through their parents, he met a pretty girl named Anabela. They shared a 45 year marriage (August 26, 1978) that was blessed with two beautiful daughters Michele (Chris) Sazo and Lisa (Carmine) Cesare and later by grandchildren, Emily, Sofia, Daniel, Mia and Carmine. He is also survived by two siblings Lucilia (Luis) Barros and José (Jolene) Horta and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joao Alberto was never happier than when his hands were in the soil. He loved his garden and everyone else loved the bounty of vegetables that it produced… everything from green beans to cucumbers. Many joked that he missed his calling as a farmer.
Though he wasn’t much of a cook, he could always put together his favorite dish of boiled potatoes, cod, and of course, green beans from his garden or a nice cucumber salad. After dinner and visiting his grandchildren, he loved to watch tv. His shows of preference were Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and the Portuguese International Channel.

His working years found him finishing concrete; known for his exacting work. Later in life, he also developed a love of soccer. His favorite team to watch and cheer for was Benfica.

Come celebrate 73 great years on Tuesday, July 16, 8:00-10:00 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro St. Riverside, NJ 08075. A service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Riverside.