Viriato Joao Alves was born in Cape Verde on the island of Brava, on November 24,1920, His father Joao Manuel Alves of Santo Antao CV, was a merchant marine who traveled back and forth to Massachusetts. His mother was Maria Delgado Alves of Brava CV. They married in 1912 and had three children, Rosa, Viriato being the middle child, and Manuel (Li-linho). Viriato served time in the military in 1942 during World War II before marriage.

Viriato Alves married Maria Costa Alves in Cape Verde in 1955; they had three sons, Oliver, Joe, and John Alves. They then migrated to Angola Africa, due to drought and lack of opportunity in Cape Verde. In 1963, while still in Angola, Maria gave birth to their first daughter, Candida Alves. Maria lived in Africa until 1968, when she left to join her Mother and brother in the United States, in order to clear a path for her family to follow.

In 1969, having established a foothold in America, Maria would send for and be reunited with her family. The following year, Maria and Viriato would welcome their second daughter, Jeannie Alves, followed in 1972 by a third daughter, Ann-Marie Alves. With the family complete, Maria, Viriato and their six children would begin their American journey in a small tenement apartment, in New Bedford, MA. Ever in search of better job opportunities, the family would relocate to Pawtucket, RI and shortly thereafter, ultimately settle in the capital city of Providence, to raise their family.

Viriato worked third shift at Brown University as a proud janitor, he managed to save enough money to buy a home in Providence. He ultimately retired from Brown University in 1985. Viriato loved to tell stories of his times while working there. One of the stories he loved to tell was “ I only missed 7 hours of work through my whole career with them and that’s because I had to attend my mother-in-laws funeral”. This story demonstrates his work ethic, dedication to his family and what kind of man he was.

Viriato through his very long life of 103 years has seen and overcome many challenges, none of which made him bitter. Just like fine wine he only got better with time or should I say “fine grog”. Viriato’s mind was very sharp, he could tell you stories of people and places dating back to his childhood. His stories, whether short or long had a moral to it, whether you realized it or not, stories of how to be kind to people, to treat people with respect and how to live a good life. He loved his grog and as a symbol of his hospitality, everyone who came by would be offered some. Everyone who knew him loved him and everyone knew him!!! He was like the Mayor. We were very lucky to have been gifted this wonderful man for so many years and privileged to have known his stories and to carry on his legacy.

For the last year, Viriato has resided at Steere House Nursing Home, due to mobility issues. A special thanks to the Steere House Staff, for taking exceptional care of him.

Viriato will be remembered in the hearts of all the people he knew, for his kindness, giving spirit and his love of family!

Thank You Yayato

In addition to his children he is survived by their spouses Zulmira Alves, Louise Alves, Mary Alves, Steven Santos, Skip Dorsey, Domingo Monteiro.

Grandchildren John and Deanna Alves, Jennifer, Joey and David Alves, Christopher, Ryan and Kaitlyn Alves, Steven and Aaron Santos, Fabian and Marisa Mota, Gian and Abigail Monteiro, Jason Monteiro and Jerin Alves

Great grandchildren Jaliyah Alves, Kalia Alves, Sharai Polanco, Tolynd Valdelamar, Brody, Caden, Bella and Maise Alves, Lennides and Khaleesi Alves, Tenaia Santos, Fabian and Lucia Mota, Imaiah Alves Campos, I’Lannie Alves, Zavien Campos and Fikayo Ikotun.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and their families to many all to mention but equally all loved. Viriato also had a large extended family not related by blood, but by love you all know who you are.


Calling Hours will be on Thursday September 12 from 4 pm - 7 pm, at Keefe Funeral Home - 5 Higginson Ave Lincoln, RI.

Funeral Services will be on Friday September 13, starting at 8:30am, at Keefe Funeral Home in Lincoln, RI. Church services will follow at Holy Name Church at 10am - 107 Camp St. Providence, RI., immediately followed by the burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery - 550 Wampanoag Trail Riverside, RI.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly asks that donations be made out to Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Nursing Home) - 100 Borden St. Providence, RI.