Miscellaneous Bristol County, Massachusetts Obituaries

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Dexter B. Leen
CUMMAQUID -- Dexter B. Leen, 85, of Cummaquid, a prominent businessman, humanitarian and philanthropist, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 1996, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Elinor (Kley) Leen and son of the late Philip and Bertha (Barron) Leen.
The his lifelong advocacy and fund-raising on behalf of institutions serving Cape Codders is evident in libraries, a synagogue, medical facilities, the natural landscape and the face of government throughout the town and county of Barnstable
Born in New Bedford in 1910, he attended that city's public schools and studied at Ohio State University before coming to the Cape as the proprietor of a Leen's Shoe Store on Main Street in Hyannis for 50 years. He was a World War II Air Force veteran, having served in the European theater.
Mr. Leen became a highly successful and influential businessman on Cape Cod. In 1946, he became one of the original investors in the Hyannis Steamship Co., later renamed Nantucket Boat Inc. Though the company was sold to the current owners of the Hy-Line, Mr. Leen never relinquished his passion for the sea and its central place in the history of Cape Cod.
Thirty years ago, Mr. Leen and award-winning architect Benjamin Thompson proposed linking Main Street in Hyannis and its harbor, a concept that came to be known as the "Walkway-to-the-Sea." His dream was realized in September 1995 when the town of Barnstable acquired two parcels of land at the corner of South and Ocean streets.
The residential tranquility, land conservation and architectural preservation that characterize the Northside village are due in large part to Mr. Leen's battles to implement zoning and preserve the character of the village marina.
He served as Barnstable Civic Association president for several years and was the moderator from 1973 to 1990. In recognition of his contributions to the village, he was awarded the association's first village "Man of the Year" award in 1994. Throughout the years, Mr. Leen served on numerous growth policy committees of the town of Barnstable and was an advocate of the Cape Cod Commission.
An student of humanities and fine arts, Mr. Leen devoted 65 years to the improvement of the Cape's cultural life. For six decades, he provided leadership to the Cape Cod Synagogue, Sturgis Library and libraries throughout the town, the Cape & Islands Library Association, Cape Cod Hospital and its affiliates, Hospice and the Cape Cod Community Philanthropic Foundation. In 1986, he was the first recipient of the Joshua Nickerson Award for his contributions to Cape Cod.
Mr. Leen was an integral part of the Cape Cod Synagogue since its inception in 1933, when the congregation consisted of 23 families. As a founding members, he was a force in acquiring money to build the first synagogue on Cape Cod in Hyannis in 1948 and later, soliciting funds for two expansions. For many years, he raised money for the United Jewish Appeal.
Known "Mister Library" throughout the state, Mr. Leen developed his passion for reading and libraries as a boy in New Bedford. As president of Sturgis Library and chairman of the Barnstable Town Library Committee for 21 years, Mr. Leen was a well-known spokesperson for adequate public funding for libraries. He was a frequent speaker at the state Library Trustees Association.
Mr. Leen was involved with the Cape Cod Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital Foundation for decades. He was an member of the Budget & Finance, Business Gifts and Investment committees, and was an honorary corporator. At his death, he was president of the Cape & Island Health Services, a hospital subsidiary. Founder of the hospital's fund-raising President's Club, he was credited with obtaining more than $1 million over the years.
Survivors include his widow; two daughters, Alison Zanetos and Georgia Fallas, both of California; his brother, Selwyn Leen of Hyannis; and two nephews.
Arrangements by Doane, Beal & Ames of Cape Cod.

William Moniz
FALL RIVER -- William "Willie Bob" and "Cuz" Moniz, 70, of 85 Rhode Island Ave., died Sunday, Jan. 7, 1996. He was the beloved friend of Connie Sylvia of New Bedford and son of the late Joseph and Mary (Cordeiro) Moniz.
He died at St. Anne's Hospital.
He was a lifelong resident of Fall River and a communicant of Santo Christo Church.
He was employed by various local contractors as a construction foreman for many years until his retirement in 1990 and was employed by R.I. Nurseries in Middletown, R.I., as a supervisor for several years.
Mr. Moniz was a member and past president of the Construction and General Laborers Union, Local 610 in Fall River, a member of the Ward II Club in Fall River, and a member of the American Legion, Post 166 in Fairhaven. He was a World War II Navy veteran.
Survivors include two daughters, Kathleen Rego of Swansea and Janet Pereira of Fall River; a brother, Joseph Moniz Jr. of Fall River; a sister, Evelyn DeMoura of Swansea; two grandsons; a niece; and three nephews.
Arrangements are by the Oliveira Funeral Home, 215 Columbia St.

John S. Carder
NEWTON -- John "Jack" S. Carder, 74, formerly of Westport, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 1996. He was the husband of Joan (Sullivan) Carder and son of Lucille (Steadman) Carder of Newton and the late Nathaniel Carder.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he lived in Newton for almost 65 years and Westport. He was employed for Raytheon in New Bedford as an engineer for 40 years until his retirement in 1986.
Mr. Carder was a graduate from Newton High School and Northeastern University, where he played on the school's hockey team.
A past vice president of Longwood Cricket Club in Bookline, Mr. Carder was also a member of the Second Church in Newton and Acoaxet Tennis Club in Westport.
Survivors include his wife; his mother; a daughter, Carolyn Carder O'Connell of Lowell and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by the Blackington, Conroy & Hayes Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton.

Doris P. Ouillette
NEW BEDFORD -- Doris Phyllis Ouillette, 74, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 1996, after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Stella (Rogers) Ouillette.
She died at St. Luke's Hospital.
A lifelong resident of New Bedford, she was a communicant of St. Lawrence Church and was employed by States Nightwear as a supervisor for 33 years until her retirement in 1986.
Miss Ouillette was active in the AARP.
Survivors include two brothers, Thomas Ouillette of New Bedford and Wallace Ouillette of Pomfret, Conn., and two nieces.
Arrangements are by the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St.

William Fitzsimmons, 96
DAYTON, Ohio -- William A. Fitzsimmons, 96, of 10 Wilmington Place, formerly of Taunton and Fairhaven, died Friday, Jan. 5, 1996. He was the widower of Lillian Southerton Fitzsimmons and son of the late William J. and Elizabeth J. Fitzsimmons.
Born in Taunton, he had lived in Fairhaven and was employed by New Haven Gas Co. in Connecticut as vice president, retiring after 40 years of service.
Mr. Fitzsimmons had been president and director of the Connecticut Motor club and vice president and director of the Evergreen Cemetery Association. He was a World War I Army veteran of the SATC, a former member of the Quinnipiac Club of New Haven, the New Haven Kiwanis Club, charter member of the Society of Gas Operator, New York, the George H. Taber Lodge, AF&AM of Fairhaven, and Whitneyville Congregational Church in Hamden.
He studied mechanical engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and administrative courses at the University of Michigan.
Survivors include two sons, William D. Fitzsimmons of Dayton, Ohio, and Douglas O. Fitzsimmons of Washington, D.C.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Mr. Fitzsimmons was also the brother of the late Ruth E. Fitzsimmons and Grace R. Stanton.
Arrangements are by the Tobias Funeral Home, Inc., Dayton, Ohio.

Helen Hinchliffe
NEW BEDFORD -- Helen (Patla) Hinchliffe, 80, of Brock Avenue died Sunday, Jan. 7, 1996, after a brief illness. She was the widow of Milton J. Hinchliffe.
She died at Mediplex of New Bedford.
Born in Manchester, N.H., she lived in New Bedford most of her life and was a communicant of St. James Church. She was employed by Cornell Dubilier as a power press operator until her retirement in 1970.
Mrs. Hinchliffe was a member of the Seniors of St. James Church, St. Hedwig Church, South Baptist Church and Hazelwood Seniors.
Survivors include three sons, Joseph Hinchliffe and William Hinchliffe, both of New Bedford, and Milton Hinchliffe Jr. of Las Vegas; a daughter, Jane Bariteau of New Bedford; a brother, Joseph Patla of New Bedford; two sisters, Amelia Sullivan of North Dartmouth and Gladys Crossman of Vernon, Vt.; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by the Cabral-Lamoureux Funeral Home, 177 Cove St.

Jean B. Charest
NEW BEDFORD -- Jean Baptiste Charest, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 1996, after a long illness. He was the husband of Aurore (Arsenault) Bessette-Charest of New Bedford and son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Theriault) Charest.
He died at Kristen Beth Nursing Home.
Born in Canada, he lived in New Bedford the past 40 years, was a communicant of St. Anthony Church and was employed by Berkshire Hathaway Corp. as a textile worker until his retirement.
Mr. Charest was a Army veteran and had worked numerous years as a bingo worker at St. Anthony Church along with his wife. He and his wife had been married 27 years.
Survivors include his widow; four stepdaughters, Lorraine LeBlanc of Woonsocket, R.I., Doris Phillips of Michigan, Diane A. Brodo of North Dartmouth and Lea Gregoire of Fairhaven; three stepsons, James Bessette and Robert Bessette, both of New Bedford, and Dennis Bessette of Nevada; a sister, Alice L. Babineau-Ferreira of New Bedford; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd.

George Fish
NEW BEDFORD -- Private services were held for George Fish, 89, who died at home Saturday, Jan. 6, 1996, after a long illness. He was the widower of Virginia (Daniels) Fish and son of the late Mary Maxim and Fred Fish.
A lifelong resident of New Bedford, he was employed by the state of Massachusetts as a highway and bridge supervisor until his retirement.
Mr. Fish was a member of the Massachusetts State Retirees.
Survivors include two sons, Raymond Fish of North Dartmouth and Daniel K. Fish of San Jose, Calif.; a brother, Fred Fish of Barrington, R.I.; a stepson, Joseph Perry of Fairhaven; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were by Perry Funeral, 111 Dartmouth St.

Belmeda Mello, 93
NEW BEDFORD -- Belmeda Mello, 93, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 1996. She was the widow of Jerome Mello and daughter of the late Philomena (Gonsalves) and Jacinto Mello.
She died at Sacred Heart Home.
Born in Ribeira Quente, Sao Miguel, Azores, she lived in New Bedford most of her life and was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.
Survivors include a son, John Mello of New Bedford; a daughter, Ida Rego of New Bedford; a grandson and several nieces and nephews.
She was also the sister of the late Georgianna Marks, Mary Mello, Francisco Mello and Joseph Mello.
Arrangements are by the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St.

Mildred Frates
NEW BEDFORD -- Mildred "Millie" Frates, 65, died Friday, Jan. 5, 1996. She was the daughter of Mary J. (Mello) McCann of New Bedford and the late Manuel Frates.
She died at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in New Bedford, she had lived all her life in the Greater New Bedford-Dartmouth area and was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church.
She had been employed at restaurants and lounges in the downtown area as a barmaid. A graduate of the Boston School of Barbering, she was a licensed Barber in Massachusetts.
Miss Frates had attended Dartmouth Schools and graduated from New Bedford High School Evening Division in 1980. She also loved cats.
Survivors include her mother; a sister, Sandra Medeiros of Fairhaven; a niece and two great-nieces.
Arrangements are by the Donaghy Funeral Home, 465 County St.

Robert H. Lesco
DARTMOUTH -- Robert H. Lesco, 72, of 31 Whiteweed Drive in North Dartmouth, died at home Saturday, Jan. 6, 1996. He was the husband of Sherry (Molnia) Lesco and son of the late Louis and Rose (Barden) Lesco.
Born in Chelsea, he had lived in North Dartmouth for 30 years. He was a graduate of New York University in 1947.
Mr. Lesco was a member of Tifereth Israel Congregation in New Bedford, a 32nd-degree Mason and a member of the Allepo Temple of Shriners. He was sent by the Army in 1944 to study Chinese at Georgetown University and later sent to France as a French interpreter during World War II. He was a member of the Jewish War veterans.
Mr. Lesco was a former member of the Allendale Country Club, where he won consecutive Four-Ball championships in 1972 and 1973. He was also a member of the Country Club of New Bedford, where he was a finalist in the 1984 Four-Ball championship.
Survivors include his widow; a son, Peter B. Lesco of Westport; two daughters, Deborah J. Lesco of Glen Ellen, Calif., and Dr. Barbara A. Lesco of Baltimore; and three grandchildren.
Arrangements are by the Max Sugarman Memorial Chapel, 458 Hope St., Providence.

Cecilia P. Varao
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Cecilia P. Varao, 83, formerly of New Bedford, died Friday, Jan. 5, 1996. She was the widow of Manuel M. Varao.
Survivors include two sons, Gilbert Varao and Richard Varao, both of California; seven daughters, Dorothy Sylvia, Florence Arruda, Theresa Nault, Margaret Driscoll, Helen Banderas, Rita Roddy and Cecilia M. Varao, all of California; a sister, Agnes Bispo of South Dartmouth; 27 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements are by the Santa Clara Funeral Home, Santa Clara, Calif.

George J. Alexander
NEW BEDFORD -- George J. Alexander, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1996, after a long illness. He was the widower of Mary (Edwards) Alexander and son of the late George B. and Eleanora (Slicho) Alexander.
He died at Brandon Woods.
Born in New Orleans, he lived in New Bedford most of his life and was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.
He was employed by Cornell Dubilier for 55 years until his retirement in 1991 and served as corporate director of employee relations
He received a community service award on Nov. 11, 1977, from the Amvets Department of Massachusetts, particularly for his work as chairman of the New Bedford Committee on Employment of the handicapped.
He was former secretary of the United Way of Greater New Bedford, was on the Executive Board of New Bedford Child & Family, board of directors of the Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, the Boy's Club, Junior Achievement, and the American Red Cross. He was also a member of Kiwanis Club, the International Management Council and Honorary Member and Past President of the New Bedford Personnel Directors Association and was the founder of the Industrial Management Council of New Bedford.
Survivors include two sons, George Alexander and Joseph E. Alexander, both of New Bedford; a sister, Dorothy Benitelli of New Jersey; a nephew; three great-nephews; and several cousins.
Arrangements are by the Aubertine Funeral Home, 129 Allen St.

Barbara Gibbs
NEW BEDFORD -- Barbara (Robbins) Gibbs, 71, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1996, after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Emery A. and Alice M. (Parker) Robbins.
She died at University Hospital in Boston.
She was born in Marion and lived in this area all of her life.
She was employed by U.S. Ringbinder as a machine operator until her retirement.
Mrs. Gibbs also screened cranberries for Decas Brothers Inc.
Survivors include a daughter, Joan M. Krakie of Woodbridge, Va.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are by the Boulevard Funeral Home, 223 Ashley Blvd.

Ellen Reba Leach, 91
NEW BEDFORD -- Ellen Reba (Decato) Leach, 91, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 1996, after a brief illness. She was the widow of John J. Leach and daughter of the late George and Eva (Wescott) Decato.
She died at St. Luke's Hospital.
She was born in Bristol, N.H., and lived most of her life in New Bedford.
She was a communicant of St. Kilian Church.
She was formerly employed by Wamsutta Mills and other local garment shops as a spool winder. She had previously performed housekeeping chores on Nantucket.
Mrs. Leach enjoyed crocheting, sewing and dancing in her leisure time.
Survivors include two daughters, Pauline M. Dubois of New Bedford and Arline M. Bismore of Freetown; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by the Rock Funeral Home., 1285 Ashley Blvd.

Emma Correia
NEW BEDFORD -- Miss Emma Correia died Sunday, Jan. 14, 1996. She was the daughter of the late Antone and Mary (Pacheco) Correia.
She died at St. Luke's Hospital.
She was a lifelong resident of New Bedford.
She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.
Miss Correia was employed by Morst Twist Drill in the office until her retirement. Prior to working at Morse, she was employed as a saleslady by Cherry and Webb in New Bedford. After her retirement from the Morse Twist Drill, she worked as an aide at St. James-St. John School.
Miss Correia was a Girl Scout Leader at St. John the Baptist Church for 44 years. She received the Our Lady of Good Counsel Award for her religious contribution of service to the Girl Scouts.
She received the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River and was a member of the Ladies Guild at St. John the Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sisters, Fannie Whitworth of New Bedford and Hilda Caucci of Dartmouth; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Miss Correia was the sister of the late Mary Ferreira, the late Irene Perry, the late Hortense Correia, the late Manuel Correia, and the late Anthony Correia.
Arrangements are by the Donaghy Funeral Home, 465 County St.

George J. Alexander
NEW BEDFORD -- George J. Alexander, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1996, after a long illness. He was the widower of Mary (Edwards) Alexander and the son of the late George B. and Eleanora (Slicho) Alexander.
He died at Brandon Woods.
Born in New Orleans, Lo., he was a graduate of Holy Cross College in New Orleans and had lived in New Bedford most of his life.
He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.
He was formerly employed by Cornell Dubilier as a corporate director of employee relations for 55 years until his retirement in 1991.
He received a community service award on Nov. 11, 1977 from the Amvets Department of Massachusetts, particularly for his work as chairman of the New Bedford Committee on Employment of the handicapped.
He was the former secretary of the United Way of Greater New Bedford. He was on the Executive Board of New Bedford Child & Family, board of directors of the Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, the Boy's Club, Junior Achievement, and the American Red Cross.
He was also a member of Kiwanis Club and the International Management Council. He was an honorary member and past president of the New Bedford Personnel Directors Association and was the founder of the Industrial Management Council of New Bedford.
Survivors include two sons, George Alexander and Joseph E. Alexander both of New Bedford; a sister, Dorothy Venitelli of New Jersey; a nephew; three great-nephews; several cousins.
Arrangements are by the Aubertine Funeral Home, 129 Allen St.
Due to a clerical error, Mr. Alexander's college affiliation was omitted and due to incorrect information received by the funeral home, the last name of Mr. Alexander's sister was incorrect in Sunday's obituary.

Deolinda Rajado
NEW BEDFORD -- Deolinda Rajado, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 14, 1996, after a long illness. She was the widow of Jose Rajado and daughter of the late Maria (Paixao) and Alfred Alves Sr.
She died at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in New Bedford, she moved to Portugal when she was 9 years old and returned to New Bedford in 1960.
She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and was employed by Paul Modes Inc. as a stitcher until her retirement.
Survivors include a son, Fernando Da Cruz of Hartford, Conn.; three daughters, Lisete De Almeida, Rose Marie Fonseca and Maria Ferreira, all of New Bedford; a brother, Alfred Alves Jr. of New Bedford; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are by Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St.

Frank J. Morris
WAREHAM -- Frank J. Morris, 76, of Royal Crest, West Wareham, died on Saturday, Jan. 13, 1996, after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Shirley A. (Forney) Morris and son of the late John and Mary (Santos) Morris.
He died at Tobey Hospital.
Born in Middleboro, he had lived there most of his life and moved to West Wareham 16 years ago.
He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church, Middleboro.
He was formerly employed by Thomas Brothers Construction and then by Remco Corporation as a truck driver until his retirement in 1978.
After retirement, he was employed by Halliday Lithograph in Plympton for a few years.
A World War II Navy veteran, he served as an aviation machinist's mate first class.
Mr. Morris held a private pilot license and was a member of the North Middleboro Flyers Club, the Mitchell Memorial Club of Middleboro and the Teamsters Union Local No. 654.
He and his wife were married for 54 years.
Survivors include his widow; a son, Donald F. Morris of Middleboro; two daughters, Susan J. Soule of Wareham and Trudy A. Spencer of Hickory, N.C.; a brother, Henry Morris of Middleboro; a sister, Mary Sukus of Middleboro; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St., Middleboro.

John F. Flood Sr., 95
NEW BEDFORD -- John F. Flood Sr., 95, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 1996, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Mary A. (McQuade) Flood and son of the late Michael F. and Mary (Mills) Flood.
He died at Hathaway Manor extended Care Facility.
Born in Somersworth, N.H., he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
He was employed by Union Street Railway as a bus driver for 23 years until his retirement in 1965.
Mr. Flood was a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union.
Survivors include his widow; three sons, John F. Flood Jr., Stephen M. Flood and Edward F. Flood, all of New Bedford; two daughters, Frances Blanchard of New Bedford and Elizabeth Haskell of Laguna Hills, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and three nieces.
Arrangements are by Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St.

Manuel Pavao
NEW BEDFORD -- Manuel Pavao, 81, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 1996, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Maria (Araujo) Pavao and son of the late Helen and Manuel Pavao.
He died at Brandon Woods.
Born in New Bedford, he lived in Sao Miguel, Azores, briefly before moving back to New Bedford for the rest of his life.
He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and was employed by K&S Construction Company as a carpenter until his retirement.
Survivors include his widow; two sons, George Pavao and Joseph Carvalho, both of New Bedford; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
He was the father of the late Dennis Pavao and brother of the late Maria Pavao.
Arrangements are by Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St.

Jean Connor
FAIRHAVEN -- Jean (Carpenter) Connor, 84, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 1996, after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Le Roy M. Connor and daughter of the late Laura A. (Baker) and Burt W. Carpenter.
She died at the Nichols House.
A lifelong resident of Fairhaven, she was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and a member of the First Congregational Church and its Couple's Club.
Mrs. Connor was a member of the In Between Camping Club and the Good Sam Camping Club.
Survivors include a son, Curtis M. Connor of Fairhaven; two grandchildren; a great-grandson and three nephews.
Arrangements are by the Fairlawn Mortuary, 180 Washington St.


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