Armando Rodrigues Tavares, 77, of Groveland, passed away Sunday evening with his children by his side at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Normanda Maria (dos Santos Pacheco) Tavares.

Born in Vila Franca do Campo, Sao Miguel, Azores, he was the son of the late Manuel and Maria (da Gloria Rodrigues) Tavares. He was raised and educated in the Azores and served in the Army before immigrating to the United States.

Armando worked as a machinist for Frank C Meyer Packaging Company in Lawrence for 20 years before retiring years ago.

Armando was a family man who loved his wife Normanda and all his children and grandchildren. He was a diligent worker who had a passion for gardening and his grape vine which he grew to make his red wine. He loved his animals and had a passion for music and enjoyed playing his Tuba. Armando was always the life of the party and enjoyed making people laugh. His number one goal was always providing for his family.

Armando is survived by his 7 children, Michael A Tavares, Normanda Tavares, Connie Tavares, Ilda Tavares, Olga Tavares, Maria Viering, and Celia Tavares, 10 grandchildren, Mario, Kathryn, AJ, Gabriel, Tony, Alexis, Alex, Mekayla, Christian, and Kerressa, and by 11 great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody and his Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 11:30 AM at the funeral home to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.