Obituary of Jose da Silva Bispo

Bispo, Jose da Silva "Vovô" 71, of St. Petersburg died Sunday, May 27, 2012, at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Murtosa, Portugal, he immigrated to Newark, NJ in 1964 after spending several years of his youth in Rio de Janiero as a fisherman and shrimper. He had many fond memories of his time in Brazil, and we'll never forget his love for papaya milk shakes and dancing to samba. Jose was an adventurous soul, a bit of a maverick and with our young mom, Maria, they courageously decided to leave the Ironbound section of Newark, the security of their extended family and Portuguese community for a new, unknown life in Florida - Seminole - in the early 70s. He barely spoke English when we arrived in Florida, taught himself to read English with newspapers, and found work helping to build a lot of the local malls and new schools in Pinellas County - including Countryside High School. Later in life after his hip surgeries, he was trained and worked as an Electronics Assembler until early retirement. He loved to take us fishing all over Fort Desoto and off piers and bridges. He taught so many of us how to swim at Fort Desoto Beach. He loved the ocean. He was a huge fan of the Rowdies and later the Mutiny. Soccer was a big passion of his, and we hardly ever missed a game with our huge family. He enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, becoming an avid member of several local clubs. He was a beloved member of P.A.S.A. for many years. He loved caring and playing with his granddaughters, Ana and Lauren. Many times we'd find him covered in boa feathers, funny hats, and goofy sunglasses. He had an amazing sense of humor and loved tell stories, not to mention argue with my uncles about politics over copious glasses of wine. His family was very important to him, and he was very proud of his daughters. Our parents were inseparable, life long friends and companions. He loved our mother, Maria Helena, very much. He was preceded in death by his parents, João and Ilda Bispo, and by his sister, Maria Augusta da Silva. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Maria Helena Bispo, two daughters, Diana Bispo and Elaine Bispo Smalling, his son in law, Grant Smalling; and two granddaughters, Ana and Lauren Smalling, all of St. Petersburg. There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, June 1st for a viewing from 5pm to 8pm at Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, 6767 Seminole Boulevard, with a memorial service on Saturday, June 2nd at 10am in the Blessed Sacrament Sanctuary at 11565 66th Ave, Seminole. The burial service will take place shortly afterward at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater. A luncheon will be held to celebrate Jose's life at the Portuguese American Suncoast Association Club, 7808 46th Ave N, St. Petersburg. Please visit our family's personalized online guestbook to leave your messages and share your fondest memories of Jose at www.ReeseFuneral.com.