Alirio Mendes Rosa, 86, of Dartmouth peacefully passed away on Sunday January 31, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Fogo, Cabo Verde, the son of the late Raul Mendes Rosa and Antonia Barbosa (Vasconcelos) Rosa, he lived in Portugal before moving to the United States in 1991.
Mr. Rosa was formerly employed as an administrator at City Hall in Oeiras, Portugal for 15 years.
He was known as a loving and proud father, who always put his children above all. He was a man that appreciated hard work, and was well known for his generosity and kind heart. A devoted father who raised his children, he also cared for several of his nieces and nephews.
His passion included reading, writing, studying history and literature. Mr. Rosa was a lifelong learner continuously educating himself, including learning English and computer skills in his later years. Last year he published his latest book, "Caminho Longe."
He loved listening to Cape Verdean music, especially mornas, mazurka, and violin.
Alirio is survived by his children, Antonio Pedro Rosa, Carlos Monteiro Rosa, Maxima Mendes Rosa, Maria Antonia Mendes Rosa, Raul Mendes Rosa, and Joana Mendes Rosa; his siblings, Guilherme Mendes Rosa, Jose Bolivar Mendes Rosa, and Teresa Mendes Rosa; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by countless friends and family who were blessed to have known him.
Alirio was predeceased last year by his brother, Simao Rosa.
His Funeral will be held on Saturday February 6, 2016 at 8:30 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 9:45 AM. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday February 5, 2016 from 4-8 PM.