Octave H. "Al" Masse, 91, of New Bedford died October 22, 2006 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joseph Masse and Rosealba (Jolly) Masse-Dubois and step-son of the late Joseph Dubois, he lived in New Bedford most of his life.
He was a communicant of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church and a former communicant of St. Anne's Church.
Mr. Masse was the proprietor of Masse's Tailor Shop on Brock Ave. and had a summer tailor shop in Provincetown for many years until his retirement.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II participating in the battles and campaigns of Algeria French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Arrowhead and the World War II Victory Medal.
"Tot", as he was known by his family, enjoyed reading, rides in his car and was always willing to help his family.
Survivors include his sister, Claire Desroches of New Bedford; 2 nieces, Diane Freitas of East Falmouth and Donna Brasseur of New Bedford; a nephew, David Desroches of Mattapoisett; 2 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews, Dina Brasseur of New York City, Derek Brasseur of New Bedford, Michael Freitas of East Falmouth and Elizabeth Freitas and her daughter Brianna Roderick, both of East Falmouth; a cousin, Doris DeFreitas of New Bedford.
He was the brother of the late Dora Masse and Joseph Masse.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Thursday, October 26th at 9 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours Wednesday, October 25th from 4-8 PM.