New Bedford – Harold R. Heath, age 62, died Saturday, July 15, 2006 unexpectedly at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Tina (Fitch) Heath of New Bedford. He is survived by 2 daughters Nicole Heath of Fairhaven, and Tessa Landry of New Bedford. A son Eric Heath of New Bedford. A brother Kermit Nourse and his wife Elsa of Panama. A sister Andrea Siefert and her husband Donald of New Bedford. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Mr. Heath was born in New Bedford and lived here all his life. He was the son of Harold A. Heath of New Bedford and the late Miriam (Francis) Heath. He was an avid sailor and at one time owned his own quahog dredge boat called the Amanda, He was an avid Animal lover; always rescuing animals whether it was a Pigeon in the water at Coal Pocket Pier, to a baby seagull rescued from a parking lot in downtown New Bedford, He was a gardener and wonderful cook.
Mr. Heath was a long distance bicycle rider and runner, he rode his bicycle in the Flatist Century race several times, and once completed the 100 mile course in 5 hours. He was a founding member of the Clube de Quem Nao Faz Nada. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga during the Cuban blockade, During his U.S. Naval service, he qualified for Underwater Demolition School, which he was unable to attend due to a serious illness that ended his Naval Career.As a younger man Mr. Heath worked at Hemingway Transport in the Motor Room, He also worked for Hydro-Dredge as a Diesel Mechanic, and worked for Walecka Moving Company as a Fleet Mechanic, his last place of employment was J.J. Nissen Co. in Wareham as a fleet Mechanic, It was while he was employed at J.J. Nissen that he orchestrated and delivered bread to the Market Ministry, and Veterans Transitional Home, and other shelters. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #7.
Mr. Heaths memorial services will be at Seamen’s Bethel on Saturday July 22,2006 at 9 A.M. relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting Hours will be from 4-8 P.M. on Wednesday July 19, 2006 at Perry Funeral Home. A donation may be made in his memory to the U.S.S. Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 28581 Providence, RI. 02908. For condolences and directions please go to www.perryfuneral.com.