Matheus "Puddie" Gilmette, 88, of New Bedford died April 19, 2010 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
He was the husband of the late Rose (Spinner) Gilmette.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joaquim and Virginia (Raymond) Gilmette, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Gilmette was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
He was formerly employed as a Merchant Seaman with Texaco Inc. for many years until retirement and also served as a Merchant Marine during World War II.
He was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics and Red Sox.
Survivors include his 7 children, Robert Gilmette of New Bedford, Wayne Ennes of Pacifica, CA, Maureen Tavares and her husband Gene of Venice, FL, Beverly Britto of New Bedford, Susan Miranda and her husband Philip of New Bedford, Donna Jackson of LaVerne, CA, and Geraldine Barrett of New Bedford; a brother, Joaquim Gilmette of East Falmouth; 2 sisters, Rose Ramos of Leicester and Anna Monteiro of Brockton; 15 grandchildren, Dwayne, Deanna, Deon, Shayna, Melissa, Allison, Ryan, Brett, Andrea, Lisa, Sherri, Gina, Brandon, Kelly and Robyn; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Carl Gilmette, the grandfather of the late Kim Gilmette and Parris Gilmette and the brother of the late Julia Gracia, Mary Pina, Virginia Gilmette, Evelyn Monteiro, Raymond Gilmette and Joseph Gilmette.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Saturday, April 24th at 6:30 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 7:30 AM. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday, April 23rd from 4-8 PM.