Francisco P. Figueira, 89, of New Bedford died Friday January 28, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was the husband of Mary (Ponte) Figueira of Connecticut and the late Angelina (Cunha) Figueira.
Born in Estreito De Camara De Lobos, Madeira, Portugal, the son of the late Jose P. and Benvinda C. (Lopes) Figueira, he had lived in New Bedford since 1944.
He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily.
Mr. Figueira was formerly employed at Guisti's Bakery for many years until his retirement.
A devoted family man, he enjoyed tending to his home and family, gardening, making homemade wine, attending Portuguese feasts and having get-togethers with friends and family.
Mr. Figueira was an ardent member of the Clube S.S. Sacramento since 1951 and served as "Festeiro" ten times during his lifetime. For many years he decorated the outside of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church for the feast with his own hand-grown flowers. He also made the thousands of plastic flowers that adorn the streets during the Feast. He had a passion for his homeland and would visit Madeira Island regularly.
Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Agnes Figueira, Alcina Galego, and Susan Baroody, all of New Bedford, and Olga Jacques of East Freetown; a son, Francisco Figueira of New Bedford; a stepson, David Velozo of Connecticut; a sister, Merces Perry of New Bedford; his sons-in-law, Larry Jacques, Carl Galego, Andrew Baroody, and Richard Hebert; five grandchildren, Brandon Travers, Corinne Travers, Jennifer Galego, Jessica Figueira, and Megan Galego; three great-grandchildren, Nathan, Cassandra, and Jo Jo; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Monday January 31, 2005 at 9:15 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday January 30, 2005 from 4-8 PM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Museum of Madeiran Heritage, 50 Madeira Ave., New Bedford, MA 02746.