DEATH
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Loide E. (Franco) Souza
Jun 27, 2018 |
Loide E. (Franco) Souza, 86, of Rochester died June 27, 2018 peacefully at Brookdale Dartmouth Village.
She was the wife of the late George Souza.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Manuel and Cecilia (Tavares) Franco, she lived in New Bedford before moving to Rochester.
Mrs. Souza was formerly employed as a bookkeeper at the Country Club of New Bedford for many years until her retirement.
She spent her early years playing golf and traveling with her husband and lifelong friends. Her most treasured trip was her visit to Madeira to see her families village. She was also an avid crafter who enjoyed sewing outfits for her children and grandchildren, especially for the holidays. She crafted dolls, stuffed animals, ornaments and spent many hours quilting and needlepointing special projects she would gift to her family.
Survivors include her 2 daughters, Ruth Aubertine and her husband John of New Bedford and Loide Wotton and her husband Melvin of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Sarah Epley of Colorado; 6 grandchildren, Kelly Horan, Jillian Silva, Justin Wotton, Jenelle Wotton, Jaime Wotton and Melissa Wotton; 9 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Sydney and Sarah Horan, Cayden and Cole Silva, Lillian Wotton, Jonathan Farina, Kayleigh and Zackary Wotton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late George Tavares Franco.
Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 30th at 10:30 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests from 9:30 - 10:30 AM prior to her service. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
She was the wife of the late George Souza.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Manuel and Cecilia (Tavares) Franco, she lived in New Bedford before moving to Rochester.
Mrs. Souza was formerly employed as a bookkeeper at the Country Club of New Bedford for many years until her retirement.
She spent her early years playing golf and traveling with her husband and lifelong friends. Her most treasured trip was her visit to Madeira to see her families village. She was also an avid crafter who enjoyed sewing outfits for her children and grandchildren, especially for the holidays. She crafted dolls, stuffed animals, ornaments and spent many hours quilting and needlepointing special projects she would gift to her family.
Survivors include her 2 daughters, Ruth Aubertine and her husband John of New Bedford and Loide Wotton and her husband Melvin of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Sarah Epley of Colorado; 6 grandchildren, Kelly Horan, Jillian Silva, Justin Wotton, Jenelle Wotton, Jaime Wotton and Melissa Wotton; 9 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Sydney and Sarah Horan, Cayden and Cole Silva, Lillian Wotton, Jonathan Farina, Kayleigh and Zackary Wotton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late George Tavares Franco.
Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 30th at 10:30 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests from 9:30 - 10:30 AM prior to her service. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Peter F. Rose
Jun 25, 2018 |
Peter F. Rose, 78, of Marion, died June 25, 2018 at home. He was the husband of Judith "Judy" (Barros) Rose. He was born in Wareham and lived in Marion for the rest of his life. He was the son of the late Frank and Matilda (Pires) Rose.
He attended the Sippican School.
Mr. Rose worked for the Laborer's Union, Local 385 for 23 years and later for Local 4 for 26 years before retiring.
He was a member of the Marion Social Club since 1981.
He loved Foxwoods, golf, swimming, scratch tickets, being with family and friends and watching the NE Patriot's games.
Survivors include his widow, Judith "Judy" (Barros) Rose; 3 sons, Peter Rose and his wife Sherry of New Bedford, Brian Rose and his girlfriend, Judith Rosa of RI and Bruce Rose and his wife Shannon of Wareham; a brother, Robert Rose, and his wife Melody of New Bedford; 5 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by 3 sisters, Marcia Monteiro, Patricia Gomes and Elizabeth Gilbert and 3 brothers, Wayne Rose, David Rose and Ronald Rose.
His funeral will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, June 29, 2018 from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Patrick's Church, 82 High St., Wareham. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Marion.
Visiting hours are from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.
He attended the Sippican School.
Mr. Rose worked for the Laborer's Union, Local 385 for 23 years and later for Local 4 for 26 years before retiring.
He was a member of the Marion Social Club since 1981.
He loved Foxwoods, golf, swimming, scratch tickets, being with family and friends and watching the NE Patriot's games.
Survivors include his widow, Judith "Judy" (Barros) Rose; 3 sons, Peter Rose and his wife Sherry of New Bedford, Brian Rose and his girlfriend, Judith Rosa of RI and Bruce Rose and his wife Shannon of Wareham; a brother, Robert Rose, and his wife Melody of New Bedford; 5 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by 3 sisters, Marcia Monteiro, Patricia Gomes and Elizabeth Gilbert and 3 brothers, Wayne Rose, David Rose and Ronald Rose.
His funeral will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, June 29, 2018 from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Patrick's Church, 82 High St., Wareham. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Marion.
Visiting hours are from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.
DEATH
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Rodman E. Taylor Sr.
Jun 24, 2018 |
Rodman E. Taylor Sr., 87, of Marion, MA. died peacefully on June 24, 2018. "Rod" was the husband of the late Marguerite Theresa Taylor. Born in New Bedford on April 17, 1931, he was the son of the late Clayton and Florence Taylor.
Rod served in the U.S. Army as a Master Sargent after graduating high school. By trade, Rod was a professional meat cutter from 1949-1997 and was employed at A&P and then the Marion General store. He then started a new career in shellfish aquaculture and became General Manager at Taylor Cultured Seafood in Fairhaven from 1997-2016. During the 1960's he served proudly as a volunteer fireman at the Dartmouth Fire Department, District 3. Rod was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Marion where he served on many boards and committees including the Board of Deacons. He was the former Church President and Treasurer of the original Penny Pinchers associated with the church.
Rod was a Master Mason and Brother of the Abraham H Howland Jr. Lodge in New Bedford and served on the New Bedford Council of Royal and Select Master Masons, and the Sutton Commandry #16.
Rod was a unique man, known for his sense of humor and positive presence in the lives he touched and will be missed immensely by all, especially his loving family.
He was predeceased by his beloved first daughter, Valerie A. Taylor, and is survived by his children; Rodman E. Taylor Jr, Clayton Taylor, Deborah McCann, Susan Taylor and his stepchildren Stephen Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Ellen LaChance, Patricia Taylor; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brother Alden Taylor and his sister Lois Ainsley.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 7th at the First Congregational Church of Marion, MA. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering with refreshments immediately after the service in the Church Community Center behind the Marion General Store. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, 685 Canton St., Suite 103, Norwood, MA 02062.
Rod served in the U.S. Army as a Master Sargent after graduating high school. By trade, Rod was a professional meat cutter from 1949-1997 and was employed at A&P and then the Marion General store. He then started a new career in shellfish aquaculture and became General Manager at Taylor Cultured Seafood in Fairhaven from 1997-2016. During the 1960's he served proudly as a volunteer fireman at the Dartmouth Fire Department, District 3. Rod was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Marion where he served on many boards and committees including the Board of Deacons. He was the former Church President and Treasurer of the original Penny Pinchers associated with the church.
Rod was a Master Mason and Brother of the Abraham H Howland Jr. Lodge in New Bedford and served on the New Bedford Council of Royal and Select Master Masons, and the Sutton Commandry #16.
Rod was a unique man, known for his sense of humor and positive presence in the lives he touched and will be missed immensely by all, especially his loving family.
He was predeceased by his beloved first daughter, Valerie A. Taylor, and is survived by his children; Rodman E. Taylor Jr, Clayton Taylor, Deborah McCann, Susan Taylor and his stepchildren Stephen Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Ellen LaChance, Patricia Taylor; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brother Alden Taylor and his sister Lois Ainsley.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 7th at the First Congregational Church of Marion, MA. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering with refreshments immediately after the service in the Church Community Center behind the Marion General Store. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, 685 Canton St., Suite 103, Norwood, MA 02062.
DEATH
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Timothy "Tim" Donohue
Jun 20, 2018 |
Timothy "Tim" Donohue, 64, died peacefully at his home in Sagamore Beach on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Tim was born on July 4, 1953 in New Bedford to the late George Donohue and Catherine (Lowney) Donohue. He attended Holy Family High School in New Bedford and graduated from Bridgewater State University.
Empowering others, young and old, in optimizing their own health and well-being was Tim's primary impetus and passion in life. Tim was the founder and director of Yoga Kids Inc., through which he provided yoga, mindfulness and life-skills training to at-risk children for 18 years in New Bedford. His work was supported by the Marion Institute and several generous individual donors. He was intensely passionate about teaching coping skills to children and teens, with the goal that they feel empowered to make positive choices in their lives. Letters from his hundreds of appreciative students and teachers demonstrate the transformative impacts of his visits to classrooms in New Bedford Public School, Old Rochester Regional School District and Riverview School (Sandwich) classrooms. This was his life's work. Tim also worked for many years with seniors at Bristol Elder Services, empowering them with his straightforward, fun, and enthusiastic teaching of mindfulness and yoga. Another of his most fulfilling efforts was working with at-risk youth in New Bedford, guiding them to discover their own inner resources for coping.
Tim was deeply devoted to his entire family, especially his sister Meg, who has Cerebral Palsy, and with whom he completed the March for Babies fundraising walk to support the March of Dimes forty years in a row. In his personal life, Tim practiced what he preached meditating every morning to cultivate a sense of heartfelt gratitude. His love of wellness and fitness took off early on, when he had the opportunity to lead the tiny Holy Family High School to a win in the state basketball championship at Boston Garden in 1969. Tim was captain of that team as a sophomore. After hitting two jump shots at a critical juncture at the end of the game he was nicknamed the 'Cool Stab' at the time by the future hall of fame broadcaster Gil Santos who was doing the play by play at the Boston Garden for the championship game. Tim was famous among his friends and family for his fun-loving attitude, delicious cooking, love of the outdoors, infectious sense of humor, and wonderful shoulder massages.
Tim is survived by two adored and adoring children, Kelsey Donohue of Philadelphia, PA, and Daniel Donohue of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by his beloved partner, Vicki Summers, and three cherished sisters, Meg Donohue, Sharon Donohue, and Maureen Fischer and brothers- in-law Paul Caruso and Bill Fischer. He was tragically predeceased by his brother John Donohue in 1988, who died at the age of 36. Tim's extended family and friends will miss him tremendously as well. Tim's positive presence in the lives he touched so deeply will be his lasting legacy.
On Wednesday, June 27th a celebration of Tim's life will take place at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Family welcomes visitors between 12pm and 4:00pm, with a memorial service honoring Tim at 2 pm. Vicki, Tim's life partner, invites you to wear fun, colorful clothing to reflect Tim's joy of living.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tim may be made to All Hands and Hearts, a non-profit in Mattapoisett, MA (website: https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/). For directions and condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Empowering others, young and old, in optimizing their own health and well-being was Tim's primary impetus and passion in life. Tim was the founder and director of Yoga Kids Inc., through which he provided yoga, mindfulness and life-skills training to at-risk children for 18 years in New Bedford. His work was supported by the Marion Institute and several generous individual donors. He was intensely passionate about teaching coping skills to children and teens, with the goal that they feel empowered to make positive choices in their lives. Letters from his hundreds of appreciative students and teachers demonstrate the transformative impacts of his visits to classrooms in New Bedford Public School, Old Rochester Regional School District and Riverview School (Sandwich) classrooms. This was his life's work. Tim also worked for many years with seniors at Bristol Elder Services, empowering them with his straightforward, fun, and enthusiastic teaching of mindfulness and yoga. Another of his most fulfilling efforts was working with at-risk youth in New Bedford, guiding them to discover their own inner resources for coping.
Tim was deeply devoted to his entire family, especially his sister Meg, who has Cerebral Palsy, and with whom he completed the March for Babies fundraising walk to support the March of Dimes forty years in a row. In his personal life, Tim practiced what he preached meditating every morning to cultivate a sense of heartfelt gratitude. His love of wellness and fitness took off early on, when he had the opportunity to lead the tiny Holy Family High School to a win in the state basketball championship at Boston Garden in 1969. Tim was captain of that team as a sophomore. After hitting two jump shots at a critical juncture at the end of the game he was nicknamed the 'Cool Stab' at the time by the future hall of fame broadcaster Gil Santos who was doing the play by play at the Boston Garden for the championship game. Tim was famous among his friends and family for his fun-loving attitude, delicious cooking, love of the outdoors, infectious sense of humor, and wonderful shoulder massages.
Tim is survived by two adored and adoring children, Kelsey Donohue of Philadelphia, PA, and Daniel Donohue of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by his beloved partner, Vicki Summers, and three cherished sisters, Meg Donohue, Sharon Donohue, and Maureen Fischer and brothers- in-law Paul Caruso and Bill Fischer. He was tragically predeceased by his brother John Donohue in 1988, who died at the age of 36. Tim's extended family and friends will miss him tremendously as well. Tim's positive presence in the lives he touched so deeply will be his lasting legacy.
On Wednesday, June 27th a celebration of Tim's life will take place at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Family welcomes visitors between 12pm and 4:00pm, with a memorial service honoring Tim at 2 pm. Vicki, Tim's life partner, invites you to wear fun, colorful clothing to reflect Tim's joy of living.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tim may be made to All Hands and Hearts, a non-profit in Mattapoisett, MA (website: https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/). For directions and condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Zachary T. Sherman
Jun 15, 2018 |
Zachary T. Sherman, 22, of New Bedford, passed away unexpectedly on June 15th in Shirley, Ma. Born Feb.18,1996 to the late Larry H. Sherman Jr. and Jill (Crippin) Vancour. He was an avid sports fan and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his mother, sisters Dayna Crippin and Brittany Sherman, brother Scott Perry, grandmother Harriet Crippin and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Zachary is also predeceased by his grandparents Warren Crippin, Pauline Luiz, Donald Luiz and Larry Sherman Sr. A memorial is to be planned for a later date and will be private.
DEATH
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Frank J. Tomkiewicz
Jun 12, 2018 |
Frank J. Tomkiewicz, 88, of Rochester, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Viola (Raymond) Tomkiewicz with whom he shared 63 years of marriage.
Born in Dartmouth, he was the son of the late Michael Tomkiewicz and Angelina (Koshiba) Tomkiewicz. He graduated from Bristol Agricultural High School and was the owner of the Tom Cat Fishing Vessel. Frank served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children; Louann Jenkinson of Rochester, Frank Tomkiewicz and his wife Wendy of East Freetown, Cheryl Mills and her husband Loring of New Bedford, Robin Perry of Acushnet, John Tomkiewicz of Rochester, Brenda Aranjo of East Freetown, Thomas Tomkiewicz and his wife Amy of Rochester, two brothers; Frederick and Stanley Tomkiewicz, 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter; Deborah Tomkiewicz, a son-in-law; William Jenkinson, three siblings; Dorothy Souza, Michael Tomkiewicz, Jr. and Walter Tomkiewicz.
Services are private.
Born in Dartmouth, he was the son of the late Michael Tomkiewicz and Angelina (Koshiba) Tomkiewicz. He graduated from Bristol Agricultural High School and was the owner of the Tom Cat Fishing Vessel. Frank served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children; Louann Jenkinson of Rochester, Frank Tomkiewicz and his wife Wendy of East Freetown, Cheryl Mills and her husband Loring of New Bedford, Robin Perry of Acushnet, John Tomkiewicz of Rochester, Brenda Aranjo of East Freetown, Thomas Tomkiewicz and his wife Amy of Rochester, two brothers; Frederick and Stanley Tomkiewicz, 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter; Deborah Tomkiewicz, a son-in-law; William Jenkinson, three siblings; Dorothy Souza, Michael Tomkiewicz, Jr. and Walter Tomkiewicz.
Services are private.
DEATH
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Hilda B. (Braz) Harrop
Jun 11, 2018 |
Hilda B. (Braz) Harrop, 87, of Mattapoisett passed away Monday June 11, 2018 after a brief illness. She was the wife of William M. Harrop, the love of her life. They had been married for 51 years.
Born in Dartmouth, the daughter of the late John and Emilia (Dias) Braz, she lived in Glastonbury, CT for many years before moving to Mattapoisett in 2000.
Mrs. Harrop was formerly employed as the human resources director for Day, Berry, and Howard Law Firm in Hartford, CT until her retirement.
She was devoted to her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband William; her daughter, Lynn A. Motta of Fairhaven; her grandson, Tyler M. Curtis of Fairhaven; and her great-grandson, Colin D. Curtis.
She was the sister of the late Armindo Braz.
Her Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 14, 2018 at 10 AM at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 13, 2018 from 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Born in Dartmouth, the daughter of the late John and Emilia (Dias) Braz, she lived in Glastonbury, CT for many years before moving to Mattapoisett in 2000.
Mrs. Harrop was formerly employed as the human resources director for Day, Berry, and Howard Law Firm in Hartford, CT until her retirement.
She was devoted to her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband William; her daughter, Lynn A. Motta of Fairhaven; her grandson, Tyler M. Curtis of Fairhaven; and her great-grandson, Colin D. Curtis.
She was the sister of the late Armindo Braz.
Her Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 14, 2018 at 10 AM at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 13, 2018 from 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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William J. Johnson
Jun 10, 2018 |
William J. Johnson, 68, of Mattapoisett died June 10, 2018 unexpectedly at home.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Owen L. and Lillian (Normandin) Johnson, he grew up in Fairhaven, but lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.
Although he spent time as a photographer in Detroit, the majority of his life was spent as a commercial fisherman. Working mostly as a dragger, he spent over 30 years sailing from New Bedford harbor. He loved being at sea from his days as a child on the waters off Sconticut Neck, his years serving the Navy during Vietnam, to being on any one of his own boats from Buzzards Bay to Key West. Sailing last on his cutter ketch "The Rights of Man," he truly loved being on the ocean. He loved having fun. He loved his friends, but mostly he loved his family. He was a truly unique man and will be terribly missed.
Survivors include his son Nils Johnson and his wife Jennifer Johnson, his step sons Mark Kroninger and his wife Erin Kroninger, Kurt Kroninger and his wife Wendy Kroninger. Five grandsons Kai Johnson, Jax Johnson, Wes Kroninger, Cole Kroninger, Kurt Kroninger Jr., granddaughter Katelyn Kroninger and his companion Connie Root.
His Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 29th at 4 pm at the Seamen's Bethel, 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. A reception will immediately follow at Reservation golf course, 10 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Owen L. and Lillian (Normandin) Johnson, he grew up in Fairhaven, but lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.
Although he spent time as a photographer in Detroit, the majority of his life was spent as a commercial fisherman. Working mostly as a dragger, he spent over 30 years sailing from New Bedford harbor. He loved being at sea from his days as a child on the waters off Sconticut Neck, his years serving the Navy during Vietnam, to being on any one of his own boats from Buzzards Bay to Key West. Sailing last on his cutter ketch "The Rights of Man," he truly loved being on the ocean. He loved having fun. He loved his friends, but mostly he loved his family. He was a truly unique man and will be terribly missed.
Survivors include his son Nils Johnson and his wife Jennifer Johnson, his step sons Mark Kroninger and his wife Erin Kroninger, Kurt Kroninger and his wife Wendy Kroninger. Five grandsons Kai Johnson, Jax Johnson, Wes Kroninger, Cole Kroninger, Kurt Kroninger Jr., granddaughter Katelyn Kroninger and his companion Connie Root.
His Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 29th at 4 pm at the Seamen's Bethel, 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. A reception will immediately follow at Reservation golf course, 10 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Maurice "Mudgie" Tavares
Jun 09, 2018 |
Maurice "Mudgie" Tavares passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Care One healthcare facility in New Bedford. Mudgie was the son of the late Alfred Tavares and the late Minnie Fermino, and the step-son of the late Charles A. Fermino, Sr.
Born in Mattapoisett on April 13, 1931, Mudgie was given his nickname by his aunt, after a Native American spirit, meaning "first-born son" and "caring giver." He graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School in 1949, where he ran track, a sport for which he developed a lifelong passion.
Mudgie was a communicant of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Mattapoisett, where, starting as an altar boy, his lifelong commitment to serving his community began.
Mudgie dedicated his entire life to helping people, especially the children of the Old Rochester School District. Working for 36 years as head custodian of Center School in Mattapoisett, Mudgie became a father figure to the countless children to whom he gave selflessly. From anonymously purchasing new sneakers and athletic equipment for children of families in need, to listening to and encouraging kids in times of angst, Mudgie was always there, as a positive influence on generations of Mattapoisett youths.
Mudgie's iconic station wagon was more a "chariot of charity," delivering kids to sports practices; taking them to games; bringing them home safely; and carting gifts of groceries and Christmas presents to the underprivileged. As founder of the Mattapoisett Track Club, Mudgie established the town's Wharf Dances in the early 1970s, to raise funds to support the track club and to give young people a safe place to enjoy Thursday nights in the summertime.
Mudgie also initiated and organized two summer women's basketball leagues and a field hockey league. He was also an active member of the Mattapoisett Lions Club and was given their prestigious Citizen of the Year Award in 1983.
Mudgie was the recipient of countless awards and honors recognizing his service to the community, not the least of which were the naming of the Maurice "Mudgie" Tavares Playground at Center School in Mattapoisett; the Maurice "Mudgie" Tavares Track and Field at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett; and the Marian Medal Award, given by the Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Mudgie was an enthusiastic basketball fan and devoted jazz aficionado, and he took great enjoyment in listening to the music Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Mudgie is survived by his sister, Caroline Sylvia, and her husband, John B. Sylvia, Jr., of Marion; two brothers: Peter Fermino and David Fermino, and David's wife, Victoria Fermino, of Mattapoisett; a niece, Karen Ramos, of Mattapoisett; a nephew, Charles Sylvia, of Providence; a great-niece, Brittany Fevrier, and her husband, Lawens Fevrier, of Smithfield, RI; a great-nephew, Graham Tuxworth, of Newton; and two great-great-nephews, Lawsen and Greysen Fevrier, of Smithfield, RI. Mudgie was the brother of the late Charles A. Fermino, Jr.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. His Funeral Mass will be held Friday June 15, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony's Church, 22 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Born in Mattapoisett on April 13, 1931, Mudgie was given his nickname by his aunt, after a Native American spirit, meaning "first-born son" and "caring giver." He graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School in 1949, where he ran track, a sport for which he developed a lifelong passion.
Mudgie was a communicant of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Mattapoisett, where, starting as an altar boy, his lifelong commitment to serving his community began.
Mudgie dedicated his entire life to helping people, especially the children of the Old Rochester School District. Working for 36 years as head custodian of Center School in Mattapoisett, Mudgie became a father figure to the countless children to whom he gave selflessly. From anonymously purchasing new sneakers and athletic equipment for children of families in need, to listening to and encouraging kids in times of angst, Mudgie was always there, as a positive influence on generations of Mattapoisett youths.
Mudgie's iconic station wagon was more a "chariot of charity," delivering kids to sports practices; taking them to games; bringing them home safely; and carting gifts of groceries and Christmas presents to the underprivileged. As founder of the Mattapoisett Track Club, Mudgie established the town's Wharf Dances in the early 1970s, to raise funds to support the track club and to give young people a safe place to enjoy Thursday nights in the summertime.
Mudgie also initiated and organized two summer women's basketball leagues and a field hockey league. He was also an active member of the Mattapoisett Lions Club and was given their prestigious Citizen of the Year Award in 1983.
Mudgie was the recipient of countless awards and honors recognizing his service to the community, not the least of which were the naming of the Maurice "Mudgie" Tavares Playground at Center School in Mattapoisett; the Maurice "Mudgie" Tavares Track and Field at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett; and the Marian Medal Award, given by the Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Mudgie was an enthusiastic basketball fan and devoted jazz aficionado, and he took great enjoyment in listening to the music Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Mudgie is survived by his sister, Caroline Sylvia, and her husband, John B. Sylvia, Jr., of Marion; two brothers: Peter Fermino and David Fermino, and David's wife, Victoria Fermino, of Mattapoisett; a niece, Karen Ramos, of Mattapoisett; a nephew, Charles Sylvia, of Providence; a great-niece, Brittany Fevrier, and her husband, Lawens Fevrier, of Smithfield, RI; a great-nephew, Graham Tuxworth, of Newton; and two great-great-nephews, Lawsen and Greysen Fevrier, of Smithfield, RI. Mudgie was the brother of the late Charles A. Fermino, Jr.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. His Funeral Mass will be held Friday June 15, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony's Church, 22 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Richard Mello, Jr.
Jun 07, 2018 |
Richard Mello, Jr., age 56, passed away, Thursday June 7, 2018 at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the son of the late Richard Mello, Sr. and Shirley Ann (O'Brien) Mello. Born in New Bedford, he graduated from Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, class of 1979. He worked as a Machinist and Construction worker for several years.
He loved motorcycles, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include a sister, Pamela Phaneuf and her husband Mike of Acushnet, a brother Kevin Mello of Orlando, FL, six nieces and nephews; Chad, Katelyn, Nikkole, Tyler, Aiden and Anthony.
His visitation will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2018 from 5-8 pm at the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA. His funeral service will be held Thursday at 10:30 am in the funeral home. Burial in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or www.stjude.org. For tributes/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com
He loved motorcycles, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include a sister, Pamela Phaneuf and her husband Mike of Acushnet, a brother Kevin Mello of Orlando, FL, six nieces and nephews; Chad, Katelyn, Nikkole, Tyler, Aiden and Anthony.
His visitation will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2018 from 5-8 pm at the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA. His funeral service will be held Thursday at 10:30 am in the funeral home. Burial in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or www.stjude.org. For tributes/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com