Mariano E. "Muddy" Gentili, 87, of New Bedford died January 12, 2012 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
He was the husband of Mary T. (Dowd) Gentili with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Ernesto and Rosa (DiPasquale) Gentili, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford.
Mr. Gentili was formerly employed with the New Bedford Police Department for 33 years retiring as a detective. In retirement, he was employed by the U.S. Coast Guard Intelligence and Law Enforcement Branch as a special agent. He was the recipient of the U.S. Coast Guard Commendation medal.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Massachusetts Police Association, U.S.S. Bennington Association and was a charter member and "Plank-owner" of the Coast Guard Investigative Association.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Michael Gentili and his wife Linda of Berlin, NH; a daughter, Cathy Ann Gendron and her husband Ronald of New Bedford; 2 brothers, Alfred Gentili of New Bedford and Ernest Gentili of Acushnet; 4 grandchildren, Sheri Costa, Erin Gendron, Kristy Letendre and Sean Gendron; 5 great-grandchildren, Joshua Letendre, Makayla Letendre, Emmelia Letendre, Ashley Holodinski and Derick Costa; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Tuesday, January 17th at 10 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, New Bedford at 11 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours Monday, January 16th from 4-8 PM.