Joseph M. DeLima

ALBANY- Joseph DeLima, 88, of Albany, NY passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026. Born on August 13, 1937, in Sao Miguel, Azores (Portugal) he was the son of the late Ernest and Helena (Raposa) DeLima, and the stepson of Antionette DeLima.

Joseph was a resident of Albany, NY for most of his life, coming to the United States from the Azore Islands in 1966, in search of a better life in America with his brothers and sisters. Joe was the embodiment of the American Dream, coming into an intimidating unknown with an immense pride for doing whatever was necessary to take care of his family, especially his beloved sisters and brothers. Joe started working in the produce department of Central Markets (which later became Price Chopper) at the store in East Greenbush where he walked to and from work every day from Albany for a year until he transferred to the Delaware Ave Store in Albany where he became the produce manager. He was viewed as one of the company’s most dedicated workers for over 51 years, until his retirement in 2017. Joe’s work ethic was one of his most admirable traits, from working on his family farm at 7 years old to treating the produce department as if it was his own business.

After working for a year Joe was able to earn enough money to return to Sao Miguel to marry the love of his life, the late Theresa (Dos Santos) DeLima. Joe enjoyed telling many stories of the memories spent with Theresa on their beloved island, and the large wedding they shared together in their hometown church in Vila Franca. Joe brought Theresa back to Albany with him shortly after their wedding and had three children Michael (Hilarie) DeLima, Anna (Daniel) DiPace, and Elena (Craig) DeLima. Theresa provided Joe with a life he could only have dreamed of, until her passing in 1991, he adored her with his whole heart.

His family meant everything to him, especially his grandsons, Camden and Parker DeLima, Hunter and Lincoln DiPace. Joe enjoyed telling stories of his childhood in the Azores to his grandchildren, especially his story of skipping school to be able to go swimming and play soccer with his friends and brothers. He enjoyed watching sports and was a big New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins fan. He loved working in his garden at home taking care of his flowers and vegetables. He was one of the most giving, loving, selfless and hardworking man you could ever come in contact with.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife Theresa DeLima, his sisters Dorothy Barone, Leona (Anthony) DeFrias and Maria Emilia (Antonio) Silva, his brothers Daniel (Elaine) DeLima and Michael (Grace) DeLima, his nephew Edmund DeSousa. He considered Anthony DeFrias his best friend. Joseph will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren, his sisters Manuela (John) Camelo and Noemia (Manny) Silva along with many beloved nieces and nephews that held such a dear place in his heart.

Funeral services will be held Friday March 27, 2026 at 12 noon in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Ave. Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with Joseph’s family at the funeral home prior to his service from 10 to 11:45 am. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhone.com