Peabody Musician Honored At State House Heritage Of Portugal Day Ceremony

PEABODY, MA — A Peabody musician and business owner was honored at the annual Heritage Day of Portugal ceremony at the State House on Tuesday morning.

Jose Ilidio Pereira was nominated by State Rep. Thomas P. Walsh (D-Peabody), for his long-time, active involvement in the Peabody Portuguese community. He joined award recipients from across the Commonwealth for a special event in the House Chamber.

"I was delighted to nominate Jose and host him, his family, and friends at the State House this morning," said Rep. Walsh. "Jose’s many contributions to the vibrant Portuguese music scene on the North Shore have greatly enriched the local Portuguese culture."

Periera was inspired to perform by Portuguese music played by his parents and neighbors and began his musical career in 1975, performing in a band named Filarmonica de Santo Antonio with his brothers and father. In 1981, he began playing in the Banda Recreative Portuguese and rose from an instrumentalist to succeeding his father as the conductor.

For 50 years, his bands have been a fixture in the Portuguese community, having performed at countless concerts, religious festivals, parades, processions, ceremonies, and solemn events.

Pereira is the operator of J&J Delivery Services, a Peabody-based trucking company. He and his wife, Ana, are the parents of three children and grandparents of two.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)