NEW BEDFORD — Dr. Alan R. Greaves, age 77 years, a retired New Bedford optometrist, died Sunday August 3, 2008 after a two year siege with cancer. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Joanne (Carlson) Greaves, she states that "he was the best thing that ever happened to me."
Born and raised in New Bedford he was the son of the late John and Clarice (Goodfellow) Greaves. A 1949 graduate of NB High School, he attended Bates College for 2 years and then graduated from Mass. College of Optometry in 1955. After graduation, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. from 1956-59. Upon returning to Massachusetts, he maintained a practice of optometry in New Bedford from 1959-1996.
Living in Dartmouth since 1962 and believing strongly in the value of education, he served on the Dartmouth School Committee for 9 years 1968-1977 and the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational School Committee for more than 25 years 1972-2005. He received an Alumni Special Recognition Award for his many years of service at the Hall of Fame ceremony in 1998.
A current member of Grace Episcopal Church and the Hawthorne Country Club, his other community activities in the past include the Kiwanis Club, Board of Directors of the NB Boys Club, NB Jaycees and the NB Redevelopment Authority.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 3 loving sons and their families: Bruce and Barbara Greaves of Marysville, Ohio and Bruce's sons Joshua and Nicholas; Kenneth and Maryann Greaves of Stoneham and their children-Christine, David, Marisa and Michael, and Peter Greaves of New Bedford and his daughters Stephanie and Lauren, his sister Marjorie J. Yeomans of Westborough, several nieces and nephews and many helpful loving friends.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, from 5-8 P.M. in the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford. According to his wishes, he will be cremated and burial of cremains will be private. NO FLOWERS PLEASE. Remembrances may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.