Roger W. Pires, Sr., 71, of Fairhaven died November 8, 2003 at home after a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was the husband of Clarisse (Bala) Pires.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Julio B. and Louise (Santos) Pires, he lived in New Bedford and Fairhaven all of his life.
He was formerly employed as a cook aboard several tugboats in New York and Connecticut for 27 years until his retirement and was a member of National Maritime Union Local 333.
Mr. Pires served in the US Army during the Korean War in the 40th Infantry Division. He was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army of Occupation Medal, Japan and the United Nations Service Medal.
Survivors include his widow; 3 sons, Roger W. Pires, Jr. of Rochester, Raymond J. Pires of Fairhaven and William J. Pires of New Bedford; a daughter, Trish L. Pires of Fairhaven; 2 brothers, William J. Pires and Donald J. Pires, both of Florida; 2 sisters, Bertha Mattos of New Bedford and Arline Barrows of California; 5 grandchildren, Nathan Pires, Nichole Pires, Lindsay Pires, Andrue Pires and Daymon Leroux.
He was the step-son of the late Alice Pires and brother of the late Malcom Pires, Julio Pires and Charles R. Pires.
His Funeral Service will be private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the PanCAN's National Headquarters, 221 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 131, El Segundo, CA 90245.