John N. Leitão, 82, of Taunton died April 1, 2008 at New England Sinai Hospital after a long illness.
He was the husband of the late Evelyn M. "Babs" (Monte) Leitão.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Antonio N. and Anna (Silva Garcia) Leitão, he lived in Brooklyn, NY, Boston and Taunton for most of his life.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Mr. Leitão was formerly employed as a merchant seaman with the International Brotherhood of Longshoreman for many years until retirement.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the American Theater Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Mr. Leitão was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7421 in Carver. He enjoyed spending time with his son, art painting and fishing.
Survivors include a son, Antonio N. Leitão of Middleboro; a brother, the Honorable George N. Leighton of Chicago, Ill; a sister, Virginia Cardozo of Plymouth; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Arthur Leitão, Georgina Teixeira, Candida Leitão and Antonio Neves Leitão.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Monday, April 8th at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours Sunday, April 6th from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the May Institute, 544 Paramount Dr., Raynham, MA 02767 in appreciation for their many years of care to John's son, Antonio.