New Bedford – Heriberto Galarza, age 50 years, died Thursday, March 27, 2008 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Patricia (Pimentel) Galarza of New Bedford. Mr. Galarza was the father of Jareese Payton Riggins of New Bedford, stepfather of Nicole and Kristen Lopes both of New Bedford and grandfather of Deryn Lopes-Ingram and Ian Chace Lopes. He was the brother of Liberted Lopez, Wilfredo Castillo, Elvia Valle, Carlos Valle, Angel Galarza, Wendy Mendoza, Elizabeth Llorca, Ann Marie Belmero, and Steven Galarza. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Jennie Pimentel, his other in-laws: Marie Ramos, Carol Pimentel, Joaquim "Jack" Pimentel, Linda Pimentel, Dr. Susan Costa, Tony Costa and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Martina and Frankie Galarza and brother-in-law of the late Frank Ramos.
Mr. Galarza was a son of the late Heriberto and Ana Celia (Concepcion) Galarza. He was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and lived in this area most of his life. Mr. Galarza was a painter at U. Mass. Dartmouth
Mr. Galarza’s funeral will be Monday at 8 A.M. at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 A.M. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 4 - 7 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited.