Joseph Kelly Pereira

Joseph "Kelly" Pereira, born October 3, 1964, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026. Born and raised in Visalia, California, Kelly was the only son of Joe Pereira and Beth Witter. He grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the community that shaped much of his life. After graduating from Mt. Whitney High School, Kelly joined the United States Army and was stationed primarily in Germany. While serving overseas, he married his high school sweetheart, Julie Harper. Together, they had two daughters, Samantha and Haley, and shared 19 years of marriage, family, and memories. Kelly was a talented craftsman with a remarkable ability to build, repair, and create just about anything he set his mind to. He worked in the trades throughout his life, with skills ranging from welding and fabrication to mechanics. There seemed to be very little he couldn't accomplish with his own two hands. He had a lifelong passion for fast cars and motorcycles and was happiest surrounded by the sound of an engine, the challenge of a new project, or the freedom of the open road. Kelly also faced the difficult battle of addiction for much of his adult life, a struggle that brought hardship and challenges to him and those who loved him. Despite those challenges his daughters and grandchildren remained an important part of his life. He will be remembered for his resilience, independent spirit, love of speed and machines, and the ornery personality that made him uniquely Kelly. Most of all, he will be remembered by those who knew and loved him, as a dad, brother, son, friend, and "Grandpa Pirate," a name lovingly given to him because of his prosthetic leg. Kelly is survived by his daughters, Samantha Gong (Tyler) and Haley Pereira (Scott); his sisters, Diana Capps and Karen Hughes (Tom); and his grandchildren, Leah, Parker, Brooklynn, Aubree, and Thea. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Pereira and Beth Witter, and his sister, Renee Pereira. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Kaweah Health who cared for Kelly over the years and especially during his final days. The family is also deeply grateful to Lori Barrios, who provided Kelly with daily care and countless trips to doctor appointments during the last several months. Her kindness, dedication, and compassion meant so much to Kelly and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pine Recovery or The Jonah & Travis Drug Awareness Foundation in Kelly's memory, helping support those who are battling addiction and their families. Memorial services will be held 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Sunday, September 20th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Joseph Kelly Pereira

October 3, 1964 - September 7, 2026