While many celebrate Father’s Day by spending time with their fathers, not everyone is afforded that opportunity. 

But for the fathers who have passed on, their memory continues to thrive in the hearts of their family members, which was made clear by the many visitors of Elm Street Cemetery on Sunday, June 16.

Dorothy Pereira said she visits her father’s grave every Father’s Day. This time, she had family and balloons with her. 

“My father was a very, very hardworking man,” Pereira recalled. “He was lovable. He was kind. He loved to help people out, and actually, he was just an awesome man.”

Adelio “Del” Pereira, who passed away in 2016, loved animals, raising his own chickens, as well as soccer, having played back in the Azores.

“I love him and wish he were here,” she said, adding how her favorite memories of him were going on drives over the weekend and camping at the beach.

Michelle Tavares visited her father’s grave with her daughter Lily Taveres, 12.

Taken “too early” in 2016 due to health complications, Michelle’s father, Gilbert Canasta, served in the US Air Force Veteran from 1951 to 1971.

“Family was everything to him,” Michelle said, highlighting how involved he was in her life, such as the time he spent on the field supporting her in marching band or in the audience cheering on her dance recitals. 

Other times, her father could be found collecting stamps and manning the grill, she said.

“He gave everything of himself,” Michelle added. “He was a good dad — he really was.”

Nicole Gomes and her husband came to visit her father’s grave to grab some measurements to put in some new decorations and flowers. 

Her father, Manual Vieira, was a “good father” and “good husband,” who passed in 2019.

Through tears, she said, “He had so much patience.”

She recalled how much he loved to go on vacation and cherishes the memories from the last cruise they all went on as a family.

Bobby Ferreira was at Elm Street Cemetery visiting his identical twin brother, Ryan, who passed in 2016 after a stroke at 30, leaving behind his 2-year-old daughter.

“We did everything together,” Bobby said. ”He was a good dude.”

Bobby and Ryan began their careers together as firefighters, serving for District 1 in Dartmouth.

“He was a proud dad, especially on Father's Day — definitely proud of his daughter,” he added.