Artist Arthur Moniz, 72, son of the late Arthur F. and Mary (Morris) Moniz and beloved husband of Cheryl (Germano) Moniz passed on from this life on Wednesday February 21st at home, with his family at his side, after a courageous year long battle with Cancer.
He attended school in New Bedford and then went on to Massachusetts College of Art and the Museum School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
He was a brilliant artist and a humble man. His paintings depict a wide range of interests, from New Bedford's Rich Maritime History, both fishing and whaling. His work embodied the natural beauty of scenes from Japan to Florida, as well as the Azores. One of his most loved paintings titled “Mending the Nets” traveled the country as part of the National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) beginning in 2016 and ending in Mystic, Ct. in 2018. The focal point of his work illustrated the New England area, where he resided with his wife and business partner, Cheryl.
He has had featured collections at The Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan; John Manjiro House (Museum) and City Hall, Tosashimizu, Japan; Meiji-Mura Museum, Nagoya, Japan; Boston Symphony Hall, Boston, Ma.; “Retrospect” New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford, Ma.; Westport Winery, Westport, Ma.; The Millicent Library, Fairhaven, Ma.
He was awarded signature membership is ASMA (American Society of Maritime Artists), and was a member of the Azorean Maritime Academy, Tosashimizu Sister City and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
He was an avid kayaker, naturalist and loved driving his Mustang convertible on warm summer days. Arthur enjoyed spending time with, as well as vacationing with, family and friends. His most precious time was spent painting in both his Fairhaven and Florida studios.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, a son, Brett Moniz and his partner Deb Deschamps, his daughter Kerran Soares and her husband Craig, and four grandchildren whom he adored – Kayli Moniz, Matthew Arthur Moniz, Kyle Soares and Kassie Soares, all of Fairhaven and a godchild/ nephews/niece- Michael Baldo, Mark Baldo, Christopher Baldo, Peter Baldo and Katie Helps. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Moniz Baldo.
The family would like to thank the doctors at Dana Farber and Fairhaven Community Nurses. They also want to thank their “special angel” and god daughter nurse Kathy Golas, along with extraordinary friends for their unwavering weekly support, who were with the family throughout their journey.
His funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 28th at 12 PM at the Seamens Bethel, 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, Ma. Visiting Hours will be on Tuesday, February 27th from 6-8 PM at the Arthur Moniz Gallery, 22 William Street, New Bedford, Ma.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Arthur Moniz Scholarship Fund c/o Cheryl Moniz, 22 William Street, New Bedford, Ma. 02740.
Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.