TEWKSBURY, MA: William J. Pereira, age 56, a lifelong resident of Tewksbury, died Thursday, February 17, 2005 at Saints Memorial Medical Center in Lowell.
He was the husband of Brenda L. (Baxter) Pereira with whom he celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 18th.
Born in Lowell on August 4, 1948, he was the son of Theodore J. and Doris C. (Fournier) Pereira, who survive him of Tewksbury.
Mr. Pereira was educated in Tewksbury and attended Tewksbury Memorial High School.
In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War with Company C 575th Engineering Battalion. He was awarded several decorations including the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his honorable discharge from military duty, he was employed as a 2nd Class Fireman by the Baker Commodities Company of Billerica, where he worked for over 30 years.
Mr. Pereira was an avid fisherman. In addition he enjoyed working in his yard and collecting and repairing antique tractors.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by 1 daughter; Laura A. Pottie and her husband Michael of Billerica; 1 son; Brain W. Pereira of Tewksbury; 1 granddaughter; Bryanna M. Pottie of Billerica; 2 sisters; Gloria Tremblay and her husband Victor of Nashua, NH and Linda Tremblay of Hudson, NH; also many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Mr. Pereira was the brother of the late Arthur Pereira.
Calling hours Sunday, Feb. 20th from 2-6 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. A prayer service will be offered on Monday, Feb. 21st at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Cremation at Linwood Crematory, Haverhill, MA. At the request of the family, kindly OMIT flowers. Memorial contributions to Saints Memorial Cancer Center, 2 Hospital Drive, Lowell, MA 01852 are requested