Joseph J. “Junie” Presner, 75, of Dartmouth died October 8, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joseph J. and Anna (Dymska) Presner, he lived in Dartmouth all of his life.
He was an active communicant of St. George’s Church in Westport.
Mr. Presner was formerly employed by Alden Corrugated for many years before retiring from Vanity Fair.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his earlier years. Mr. Presner took loving care of his aunt, Adela Szarek, until her death and was a dedicated father.
Survivors include his daughter, Debra Wojcik and her husband Ed of Fairhaven; his former wife, Beverly A. (Field) Galipeau of Fairhaven; his granddaughter, Alyson Therrien of Boston; and several cousins.
He was the brother of the late Eugene Presner and Edward Presner.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Friday, October 12th at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St. George’s Church, Westport at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, October 11th from 4-7 PM.

View Full Notice → Joseph J. Presner 10/8/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Rosa B. (Fillyaw) Johnson, 89, of N. Dartmouth died Friday, October 12, 2012 at home peacefully with her family by her side. She was wife of the late Neil B. Johnson.

Born in Cedar Creek, NC, daughter of the late Ruben H. and Annie B. (Faircloth) Fillyaw, she had lived in Fayetteville, NC prior to moving to N. Dartmouth in 1964. She was the former owner of Dockside Ice Cream in Padanaram, S. Dartmouth for 20 years and she also worked at the former Midway Bowling Center in Dartmouth. An avid bowler, Rosa enjoyed flowers and people, but most of all she loved being with her family. She will be missed by many. The family would like to thank Southcoast Hospice for the care they gave their mother.

Survivors include 3 children: James “Kenneth” Johnson of N. Dartmouth, Jackie Johnson and his wife Ruby of Rogue River, OR and Florence Marie McCall and her husband W.C. of Fayetteville, NC; 2 daughter-in-laws: Edie Johnson of Kernersville, NC and Becky Rudisill of Anchorage, AK; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; many step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was mother of the late Jerry M. Johnson and the late William H. Rudisill and companion of the late Americo Petavino and Arthur Berard.

Memorial service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at the Kirby Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101.

View Full Notice → Rosa B. (Fillyaw) Johnson 10/12/2012 N. Dartmouth, MA

Mary L. (Grigerek) Signorella, 87, of Dartmouth died Saturday October 13, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Dudzik) Grigerek, she had lived in this area since 1955.

Mrs. Signorella had been the first nurse anesthetist employed at St. Luke’s Hospital.

She was a great mother and grandmother who loved to dance and play bridge.

She is survived by her son, Albert M. Signorella, M.D., and his wife Joyce, and grandchildren, Michael, Julia, and Jennifer, all of Dartmouth.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial in South Dartmouth Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the United Way of Greater New Bedford, 105 William St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Mary L. Signorella 10/13/2012 Dartmouth, MA

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Nicola J. Morra, 87, of Dartmouth passed away Wednesday October 24, 2012 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of M. Jacqueline (Menard) Morra.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Rocco and Elizabeth (Capezza) Morra, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.

Mr. Morra was formerly employed as a firefighter for the New Bedford Fire Department for 22 years until his retirement.

He was a member and Past President of the New Bedford Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 841.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Clifford J. Morra of Freetown; a brother, Rocco Morra, Jr. of Florida; two grandchildren, Jennifer and Kelly Morra; a great-granddaughter, Yasmine Morra; and his devoted friend and caregiver, Patricia Stark.

He was the brother of the late Domenic Morra, Pasquelina Sarti, and Concetta Robichaud.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangments are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Nicola J. Morra 10/24/2012 Dartmouth, MA

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Mary L. Downey, 86, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford, died unexpectedly November 6, 2012 at Autumn Glen Assisted Living. Born in New Bedford on November 8, 1925, the daughter of the late Attorney William S. and Marie A. (Jackson) Downey, she was raised in New Bedford and had resided in Boston for 25 years before returning to New Bedford to live with her mother in 1971. For the past four years she had resided at Autumn Glen which she thoroughly enjoyed and where she made many friendships with the residents and staff. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Lawrence Church. Mary graduated from Holy Family High School, Class of 1942 and Emmanuel College, Class of 1946. She worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Insurance Division and New England Mutual Life Insurance Company as an actuary. In 1971, Mary returned to New Bedford from Boston to become an administrative assistant at Saunders Funeral Home which had recently been established by her brother-in-law, Richard T. Saunders. She retired in 1987. She was a member of the College Club of New Bedford. Survivors include her sister, Anne D. Saunders, M.D. of Fairhaven; her sister-in-law, Anne M. (Harrington) Downey of Mattapoisett; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Atty. Maurice F. Downey who passed away November 5, 2012, and William S. Downey, Jr., M.D. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM in St. Lawrence Church. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 3-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Route 6), Mattapoisett. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the St. Lawrence Church Bell Tower Fund, 110 Summer St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and on-line condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Mary L. Downey 11/6/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Agnes M. (Couto) Carroll, 85, of Dartmouth died November 5, 2012 peacefully at home after a long illness. She was the wife of the late Rene A. Carroll. Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Manuel M. and Mary S. (Moniz) Couto, she resided in the Greater New Bedford area, Sanibel and Fort Myers in Florida, and Mannheim, Germany. She was formerly employed as a registered nurse during her early years. Aggie, as she liked to be called, had a heart as big as Texas. Her love of people and entertaining brought her and others much joy. She was always the first to roll up her sleeves taking charge in times of need. She was the mother everyone wanted and was fiercely loyal and dedicated to the love of her life, Rene. She was greatly loved and capable of great great loving. Survivors include her daughter, Nina Carroll, M.D. of Westwood, MA; a son, Mark Carroll of New York City; a grandson, Elijah Carroll of San Francisco, CA. Private arrangements with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Agnes M. Carroll 11/5/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Attorney Stephen P. Bancroft passed away on November 13, 2012, at his home in South Dartmouth after a brief illness. He was cared for by many loving people who helped his family cope with the pain of losing a wonderful father, husband and friend. Born in New Bedford, the only son of Claire (Rocheleau) Bancroft and the late Arthur D. Bancroft, Jr., he lived in New Bedford and Dartmouth all of his life. He took great pride in his local heritage and large extended family. Attorney Bancroft practiced law in the New Bedford area for over 30 years beginning his career as an Assistant District Attorney under Ronald A. Pina. He was a proud graduate of Bishop Stang High School, Boston College, and Suffolk University School of Law. Bancroft was a member of the Massachusetts and American Bar Associations. Attorney Bancroft saw the good in all people and was happiest when able to help those in need. His attention and efforts always went to helping others. Not wanting recognition or payment, Bancroft simply tried every day to make the world a better place. An avid sailor and mariner, Bancroft’s finest times were spent on the waters of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound where he began sailing and racing many years ago. His greatest joy was being able to share his passion with his family and friends sailing and fishing in the waters he referred to as “his backyard.” A voracious reader and historian, his knowledge touched many but most of all his children who learned so much over the years from a father who always had the time to teach, explain and guide. In addition to sailing, Bancroft enjoyed many winters skiing throughout New England but primarily at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire with family and friends. “The family that skis together, stays together” became a family motto that brought many to New Hampshire to enjoy the snow and camaraderie of weekends and vacations. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Vicki Abbott Bancroft and two children, Scott Arthur Bancroft and his girlfriend Alison Clark and Kimberley Denise Bancroft and her boyfriend Adam Graves. He is also survived by his mother, Claire Bancroft and his three sisters, Mrs. Carol Verrochi and her husband William, Mrs. Diane Zuspan and her husband Jay and Mrs. Laurie Mandly and her husband James. In addition, he is survived by four nephews, three nieces, three great nieces and one great nephew. His large extended family includes cousins, aunts and uncles throughout the local area to Cape Cod and Hawaii. He leaves many treasured and valued friends with whom he shared the best of times and memories. Friends and family are graciously invited to greet his family and share in remembering his life and legacy on Friday November 16, 2012 at the Seamen’s Bethel in New Bedford from 3:00-7:00 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth. According to Attorney Bancroft’s wishes, he will have a private burial at sea at a later date. Donations may be made in Stephen P. Bancroft’s memory to: The Bancroft Family Foundation, c/o REMINC, 55 Hammarlund Way Tech 2, Middletown, RI 02842. The Foundation will distribute all funds received per the instruction of Vicki, Scott and Kimberley Bancroft for the benefit of Special Needs Children in the greater New Bedford Area. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Attorney Stephen P. Bancroft 11/13/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Susan C. (Touchette) Nogueira, 64, of Dartmouth, died November 19, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness. She was the wife of Abel Nogueira; they had been married for 40 years. Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Eugene F. and Hilda B. (Hartman) Touchette, she lived in Dartmouth for most of her life. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Karen Tuoti and her husband Paul of South Kingston, RI, and Carol J. Nogueira of Orlando, FL; a brother, Robert Touchette and his companion Rebecca McCann of Mattapoisett; a sister, Paula Jennings and her husband Bill of New Bedford; three grandchildren, Zachary, Alexander and Nicholas; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Richard Touchette. Her Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4-7 PM, prior to the Service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Rd., Suite #400, Waltham, MA 02451. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Susan C. Nogueira 11/19/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Martha S. (Smith) Sullivan, 87, of Dartmouth died November 30, 2012 at home. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 AM in St. Lawrence Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours Monday from 3-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Martha S. Sullivan 11/30/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Clifton G. Allen, 92, of Dartmouth died Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven. He was husband of the late Alberta (Bastille) Allen.

Born in Dartmouth, he was son of the late Harry and Elizabeth (Gifford) Allen. A veteran of WWII, he served his country as a Seabee in the United States Navy. Prior to retirement, he was a self-employed carpenter and was a volunteer fireman for Dartmouth District #2 Fire Department. Mr. Allen was a member of the Allens Neck Friends Meeting, American Legion, the Barbershoppers, New Bedford Chapter, the Nautical Notes Quartet and was a life member of the Dartmouth Grange.

Survivors include 2 daughters: Cheryl Hamel and her husband Victor of MA and Jeryl Quick and her husband John of RI; a step-son: John M. Cate and his wife Mary Carol of Dartmouth; a step-daughter: Barbara J. Hall of New Bedford; 2 grandsons: Matthew Cate and Christopher Cate; and several nieces and nephews.

He was brother of the late Franklin Allen and Marjorie Macomber.

Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at the Allens Neck Friends Meeting, Dartmouth at 11:00 A.M.

Interment in Allens Neck Friends Cemetery, Dartmouth.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

View Full Notice → Clifton G. Allen 12/1/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Hubert B. Gifford, Jr., 74, of Dartmouth died Sunday, December 2, 2012 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Meribah D. (Tripp) Gifford. Born in New Bedford, he was son of the late Hubert B. and Edith (Allen) Gifford. Prior to retirement, he was a self employed carpenter and a member of the Carpenters Union #424. Mr. Gifford served on the Town of Dartmouth Board of Appeals for many years. Including his wife, survivors include 2 sons: Bradford T. Gifford and his wife Robin of Dartmouth and Scott A. Gifford of Dartmouth; 2 daughters: Virginia G. Gifford-Forrester of Dartmouth and Cheryl A. Cieplik and her husband Stanley of Dartmouth; a sister: Grace A. Brook of Dartmouth; 8 grandchildren: Jonathan, Derek, Christopher, Alex, Trisha, Bethany, Jack and Cameron; a great granddaughter: Rylee Grace; and several nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Arthur Gifford and Shirley Gifford. Private arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Community Nurse & Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

View Full Notice → Hubert B. Gifford, Jr. 12/2/2012 Dartmouth, MA

John C. Bentley, Jr., 64, died peacefully at his home in Dartmouth on December 9, 2012. He had battled prostate cancer for 16 years. While he was prone to hyperbole in his storytelling, it is no exaggeration to say that he will be missed enormously by all who knew him. John was born in Hackensack, N.J. on January 4, 1948, to John C. Bentley and Eliza Taft Bentley. After attending the Pingry School in Elizabeth, NJ, he was graduated from Tufts University with a B.A. in Philosophy and subsequently earned JD and LLM degrees from Suffolk University and Boston University. In 1971, he married Dorothy “DeeDee” Waldinger, and, after a few years in the Boston area, they settled in Dartmouth where they raised their family. John became a partner at the law firm of Braudy, Bentley, and Feingold and later opened his own firm, Bentley & Associates. An avid competitor throughout his life, John was co-captain of the 1970 Tufts lacrosse team and later continued playing with the Boston Lacrosse Club. In his lifelong passion for sailing, he successfully competed in every decade of his life. He was at home on Nantucket Sound and Buzzards Bay, whether in a Beetle Cat, Wianno Senior, 3/4 Ton, J/80, or Etchells, He raced the 14 foot Laser for 25 years and competed off the shores of five different continents. Among his many sailing honors were winning the overall championship at the 1979 Edgartown Race Week, the SMYRA Family Racing Trophy in 1983 & 1984, and the 1995 Small Trophy, earning a spot in the U.S. Singlehanded Championships. He was the Laser Grand Master Champion at 2004 Chesapeake Bay Regatta and helped steer Rusty Kellogg’s Blue Magic to a 2nd place overall finish in the 1991 Marion-Bermuda race. He also received the George B. Knowles, Jr. trophy from the New Bedford Yacht Club in 2002 for sailing excellence and achievement in the previous year. In addition to competing, John was also an enthusiastic organizer of sailing events. He helped to bring the 1985 3/4 Ton North Americans and the 1990 Laser Master World Championships to Padanaram. He also ran numerous smaller events and served on the Singlehanded Championship Committee for US Sailing and ran the Area A Championship for 15 years. John served on the Boards of the New Bedford Yacht Club, WHALE, the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust and the Childrens’ Museum of Dartmouth. He also was instrumental in preserving the Zieterion Theater. Beyond his work and his great involvement in his sailing events, John tried never to miss one of his children’s activities. He and DeeDee thought nothing of driving 3 hours in each direction in a day to watch an hour-long game, since it meant being there to support their child. He was even known to have tried coaching ice hockey, despite his uncharacteristically un-athletic skating ability.  He is survived by wife DeeDee; son Jeb and his wife Maija (Milwaukee, WI); daughter Eliza and her husband Andrew Epstein (Los Angeles, CA); son Peter and his fiance Ryan Gallacher (Los Angeles, CA); sister Tina Bentley Lehman and her family (Lexington, MA); and brother-in-law Andres Roomet and his family (Hinesburg, VT). His sister, Louise Bentley Roomet, predeceased him in 2009. He was a dedicated and loving grandfather to four grandchildren . He leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends from all periods of his life, from childhood on Aberdeen Rd. in Elizabeth, NJ, to local clients for whom he worked tirelessly, to his fellow competitors in the international Laser community. He lived his life with passion, competitive zeal, relentless humor and personal integrity. He entertained all those who he encountered and he will be missed. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or on-line www.pcf.org. We are grateful for the research being done. A Memorial Service celebrating John’s life will be held at 4:30 PM on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA.

View Full Notice → John C. Bentley, Jr. 12/9/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Maureen (Swansey) Teser, 55, of Dartmouth passed peacefully from this earth into God’s arms surrounded by loved ones on Monday, December 10th after a courageous battle with cancer. She watches over from above her husband, Michael Alan Teser, her daughters, Megan Christine Teser and Kaitlyn Beth Teser, her parents, George and Kathleen (Sylvia) Swansey, her mother-in-law, Lorraine Teser, her siblings, Joanne Jackson, Kathy Girouard, Michael Swansey and their spouses, her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, an uncle and several loving cousins who are all honored to have shared her life. Maureen was born and raised in New Bedford where she graduated from Holy Family High School and Kinyon Campbell School of Business. She was employed for 36 years by the New Bedford School Department where she worked as a secretary at Carney Academy, Gomes School and Ashley School. She married her husband Michael, now a retired U.S.P.S. worker, in 1983 and together they resided in Dartmouth ever since. Maureen is a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Dartmouth. Her visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 16th from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by her Celebration of Life Mass at 1:30 PM in St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, c/o Kaitlyn Teser or directly on-line at http://mainacsevents.org/goto/maureenteser.

View Full Notice → Maureen Teser 12/10/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Patricia V. (Valentine) Lemaire, 91, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Monday December 10, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a brief period of declining health. She was surrounded by her five daughters and their loving families singing Christmas Carols and giving testimony to the wonderful ideals that she inspired in each of them. She was the wife of the late Roland A. Lemaire. Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Thomas A. and Mary Isabel (Harrison) Valentine, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life. Mrs. Lemaire was formerly employed at the Star Store, Revere Copper and Brass, and the Mass. Division of Employment Security. During World War II, she served in the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. She was a member and Past Commander of the American Legion Post 385. She was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School. She enjoyed all family functions and shopping with her daughters and grandchildren. Her family would like to thank the wonderful compassionate caregivers at St. Luke’s Hospital, especially in PCU and CCU and to Dr. Bier, Dr. Fogg, and Dr. Pothier who supported her emotionally as well as physically. Without their excellent care, Mom would not have enjoyed her last few wonderful years in good physical health. The family would also like to thank the staff at Emeritus Assisted Living in Dartmouth, and especially to Brenda, Rhonda, Elena, LaShay, and Liz in her Cedar Cottage for the outstanding loving care Mom experienced in her time there. Her family is eternally grateful. She also bettered the lives of her fellow residents with her zest for life, sense of humor, and determination to keep active and engaged in activity. She felt God had placed her there to help them in their later years of life as well. An inspiration to all who encountered this beautiful woman throughout her 91 years of life, her legacy will live on in her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as anyone whose lives she so richly touched. She is survived by her five daughters, Robin Amaral and husband Ed, Pat Santos, Jeanne Couto and husband Bill, Paula Rapoza and husband Ernie, and Kathy Laplante and husband David. She was affectionately known as “Nana” to her thirteen grandchildren, Eddie, Bryan, Laurie, Kate, Tim, Cassie, Dylan, Tracie, Ally, Travis, Ivy, Phoebe, and Isaac, and as “Nana Pat” to her six great-grandchildren, Evan, Alanna, Adrian, Marshall, Andrew, and Aubrey. She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late infant, Gerard Anthony Lemaire, and sister of the late Mary P. Walsh, Rita Tripp, and Isabel Doherty. Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saurday at 10 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, Acushnet. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Patricia V. Lemaire 12/10/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Eleanor Mae (Wilde) Gillick, 87, of Dartmouth died Friday December 14, 2012 at home. She was the wife of George E. Gillick.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late William and Carrie A. (O’Brien) Wilde, she lived in New Bedford before moving to Dartmouth in 1966.

Mrs. Gillick had been actively involved in Republicans politics in the area.

She is survived by her husband.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 10 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 2-4 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Eleanor M. Gillick 12/14/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Lewis Walter Sylvia, 63, of Dartmouth passed away Thursday December 20, 2012 peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. Lewis was born in New Bedford on May 17, 1949 to Rosaline (Alves) and Walter Sylvia in a time when individuals with Down Syndrome were cast into state institutions…but not Lewis. His parents fought to mainstream Lewis into society. He lived a long happy life with his family until his mom’s passing in 1994. It was then that Tony Resendes and Andrea Patisteas adopted Lewis and they grew into a family that included Benjamin, Samuel and Mia Resendes. Lewis was a National Special Olympics Gold Medal winner in the sport of bocce as well as an avid bowler. He formerly attended the New Bedford Recreational Program for Special Needs Adults. He had a love of music, especially Elvis. Lewis was a very well known member of the community and knew people everywhere he went. He enriched the lives of those who knew him. The Department of Developmental Services caringly supported him throughout his life, and for the past 12 years Lewis was a valued member of The Nemasket Group, an organization that went above and beyond in the care and support they provided him. Lewis also worked at St. Anne’s Credit Union in Fairhaven. Lewis remained in the Resendes/Patisteas home for 17 years and then Alzheimer’s overcame him. He then moved into a group home in Dartmouth and it was there that he peacefully passed with his family and friends around him. Lewis was fortunate to ALWAYS be surrounded by people who cared deeply for him…he hit the life lottery! Survivors include his brother Brian Sylvia and nephew Chad Sylvia both of New Bedford; his adoptive family, Tony Resendes, Andrea Patisteas, Benjamin Resendes, Samuel Resendes and Mia Resendes, all of Rochester; and many friends. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 9 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, New Bedford. Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Nemasket Group, 56 Bridge St. Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Lewis W. “Butchie” Sylvia 12/20/2012 Dartmouth, MA

Alfred Souza, 92, of Dartmouth ided Thursday December 13, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of the late Mary R. (Rebola) Souza.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Anibal and Irene (Paiva) Souza, he lived in Dartmouth for most of his life.

Mr. Souza was formerly employed as a stock clerk at Berkshire Hathaway for many years, and had also been a painter for many years.

He was a member of the Dartmouth Senior Associates.

Survivors include a daughter, Janice M. Ribeiro and her husband Barry, of Dartmouth; a grandson, Barry Ribeiro, Jr., and his wife Michelle, of Dartmouth; and two great-grandchildren, Allysa and Jacob Ribeiro.

He was the brother of the late John Souza, Carrie Martin, Henry Souza, Irene Rapoza, Laura Souza, and Robert Souza.

A private family burial service was held on Wednesday December 26, 2012 at St. John’s Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.

View Full Notice → Alfred Souza 12/13/2012 Dartmouth, MA

John Costa, of South Dartmouth, passed away on his 78th birthday, January 9, 2013, at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of the late Emily (Pimentel) Costa with whom he had spent 53 years by her side until her passing in 2008. Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph and Mary (Sliwa) Costa, he was a lifelong resident of Dartmouth. Mr. Costa was Vice President of American Dryer Corp. in Fall River, a company he helped launch in 1966, and managed production until his retirement in 1997. Known to many as “Gramps” or “Mister C”, he enjoyed woodworking and building heirloom rocking toys for children. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends. Mr. Costa is survived by his 6 children: John Jr. of KS, James and his wife Donna of Dartmouth, Jeffrey and his wife Susan of Dartmouth, Joel and his wife Lynne of FL, Jordan of Dartmouth and Joyce and her husband Kirk Faria of Dartmouth; 12 Grandchildren: Jeffrey Jr., Joel Jr., Jennifer and her husband Wayne, Jason, Rachel, Nicole, Stephanie, Kirk Matthew, Joshua, Kyle, Jordan Jr. and Kevin; 4 great grandchildren: Owen, Hailee and Gracie Mae and Addison; 2 sister-in-laws: Claire Costa of Dartmouth and Jean Pimentel of New Bedford as well as several nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Joseph Costa, Jr. and Patricia Nunes. Memorial service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the Potter Funeral Home at 11 A.M. Memorial calling hours 10-11 A.M., prior to the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Costa’s name may be made to American Cancer Society 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

View Full Notice → John Costa 1/9/2013 S.Dartmouth, MA

Jacqueline L. (Bussiere) Croteau, 88, of Dartmouth died Friday, January 11, 2013 at home. She was wife of the late Raymond J. Croteau.

Born in Fall River, she was daughter of the late Francis X. and Alphaeda M. (Fortin) Bussiere. Jacqueline was a Communicant of St. George Church, Westport.

Survivors include 2 sons: Raymond J. Croteau, Jr. and his wife Janet of Hanson, MA and Andre P. Croteau of Miami, FL; a daughter: Cheryl J.C. Blanchard and her husband Stuart Dickinson of Fairhaven; 4 grandchildren: Jared Croteau, Brandon Blanchard, Jillian Blanchard and Jordan Croteau; a great granddaughter: Abigail Croteau; 3 sisters: Ella Botelho of Westport, Lucille Simas of Westport and Jeanne Croteau of Dartmouth; and several nieces and nephews.

She was sister of the late Gerard Bussiere, Armand Bussiere, Olivine Vaillancourt and Geraldine Bussiere.

Private arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.

View Full Notice → Jacqueline L. (Bussiere) Croteau 1/11/2013 Dartmouth, MA

Dr. Robert S. Sharples, 83, of Dartmouth died Wednesday January 9, 2013 at home after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Rosaline M. (Santos) Sharples and the late Dr. Maureen FitzGerald Sharples. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Ruby and William Sharples. A graduate of Bridgewater State College and Nova University, Dr. Sharples served as Director of the Graduate Educational Leadership Academic Program at Bridgewater State College until his retirement in 1991. The program trained students in educational leadership and awarded them a Masters Degree, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, or a Doctorate of Education. He also served as the Northeast United States Coordinator for a Doctoral program for Nova University that prepared doctoral students in the administration of higher education. He also had previously taught in the New Bedford and East Bridgewater Public Schools Systems. An exceptional athlete in his younger days, he played football for New Bedford High School and was an outstanding baseball player who, at the age of 14, played in the adult evening league and was pursued by the St. Louis Browns professional baseball team. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in Okinawa and Korea. An avid pilot, yachtsman, and golfer, he held memberships in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the New Bedford Yacht Club, the Hawthorne Country Club, the Allendale Country Club, and the Country Club of New Bedford. He was the founder of the Association of Professional Administrators of the nine State Colleges and served as its president for many years. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Ruby Govoni, Doris Francis, Audrey Horton, Harold, Brydson, Russell, Everett, and Norman Sharples. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 9 AM at St. Mary’s Church. South Dartmouth. Burial in St. John’s Cemetery will be private. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

View Full Notice → Dr. Robert S. Sharples 1/9/2013 Dartmouth, MA