Joseph Azevedo

Joseph Azevedo was 68 years young when he passed away on May 13, 2026 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapids City.

His viewing was held on Thursday May 21, 2026 at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home, from 4:00-6:00pm followed by a rosary at 6pm. The funeral mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, at 11am followed by the burial at the Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon, South Dakota. A funeral luncheon was served in St. Mary’s church basement by the Altar Society following the burial.

Joseph was born on November 26, 1957 in Winchester Hospital in Massachusetts to Ruth Janet Azevedo and Joseph Francis Azevedo Sr. He grew up with his 7 siblings in Billerica Massachusetts. He attended Billerica High School and graduated in 1975. He participated in football and ROTC. He fast tracked his high school education so he could join the work force and help his family. In 1980 Joseph’s daughter Brandi was born. He loved her instantly and would do anything for her.  In April 1985 Joseph met Marilyn Perry at her work, he was in love at first sight he visited her at work often until she agreed to a date. The feeling was clearly mutual because in October 1986 they were married. They were married Oct 25th 1986 at St Mary's in Chelmsford MA. Joseph and Marilyn welcomed their second daughter Alicia on Oct 03 1987. Joseph’s life revolved around his family.  He would work hard to provide for them, keep them safe, and do anything to make sure they were happy and loved. He often worked on projects for family, friends and neighbors. He would secretly mow yards or plow snow, never wanting recognition or compensation.  In 2013 Joseph moved to Lemmon SD with his wife, his daughter Alicia and their grandson Philip.  Joseph & Marilyn had fallen in love with the beauty of South Dakota’s landscape and the small communities during their many travels to the area. Joseph's wife Marilyn was also the superintendent in Bison SD for 10 years, Joe enjoyed attending school events with his wife, and often helped out where ever he could from working on the coal furnace, to providing meals to the teachers for conference nights, to mowing and plowing neighbors homes. He again never wanted any thanks, he enjoyed being in the serve of others.  

Joseph hobbies included motorcycles , classic cars and enjoyed working with his hands. He loved camping and traveling and has attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the Laconia Motorcycle classic several times.  Joseph made many memories with his friends on the Hill and the “Home of the Joes” . He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grand children. He  loved passing down his  knowledge for Mechanics and repair to his children and grandchildren. He was involved in his community , helping out the schools that  his wife worked in helping with parades, running errands, picking up supplies and some maintenance. He had many jobs throughout his life, working in construction, plowing for the state of Massachusetts, a security guard for Wang Industries. He worked at New Balance shoes, Apollo computers, Roadway Express  as a maintenance mechanic.. He also worked for a vending company and then started his own business in maintenance and repair. He gave up his business to be a caretaker for his wife’s parents.   He never had a set career, providing for his family was his only goal . He was most happy in a room full of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews .   

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Francis Azevedo Sr, in 2010 and Ruth Janet (Twombly) Azevedo in 2020, his daughter Brandi’s mother, Debra Hawkins in 1997 and her grandmother Peggy Hawkins in 2022 ,his granddaughter Gabriella in 2018, and his niece Jessica Azevedo in 2024.

Joseph is survived by his spouse of almost 40 years, Marilyn Louise (Perry) Azevedo, his children Brandi Nicole Azevedo-Baldi (husband (Larry), and Alicia Marie Azevedo (significant other Jeff Seim). He had six grandchildren, Kaitlynn Elizabeth Mize, Sarah Margaret Mize, Joseph Lawrence Baldi, Philip Joseph Azevedo, Julia Ruth Baldi, and Zackary Edward Baldi.

He is also survived by his 7 brothers and sisters; Ann Bonivita (Joseph), Ruth Heckbert (Richard), Michael Azevedo (Diane), Clinton Azevedo (Teresa), Stacy Azevedo (Alan), James Azevedo (Debra), and John Azevedo. His long time friend Joseph Silva (Bev)  and too many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews to name.

Joseph was a strong person and had a strong personality. He was caring and loving and displayed great integrity. He was knowledgeable on many subjects and showed great wisdom. He told numerous jokes and his laughter was a gift to others. But most of all was his tremendous love of family and helping those whenever he could.  He would literally  give you the shirt off his back.

Family and friends are invited to the luncheon after the burial at the church basement for fellowship.