Jose F.S. Rato, 95, of Fairhaven died October 21, 2010 at St. Luke's Hospital after a period of declining health.
He was the husband of the late Maria (daCruz) Rato.
Born in Ilhavo, Portugal, the son of the late Luis and Anunciação, he lived in Gloucester and New Bedford before moving to Fairhaven in 1964.
Mr. Rato was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church.
He was formerly employed as a fishing boat owner and captain for many years until retirement. He was a member of the New Bedford Fisherman's Union.
Mr. Rato served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He enjoyed reading and history. He was a kind and generous, soft spoken gentleman who loved his family.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Maria R. Kilshaw and her husband Peter of Fairhaven and Rose Maria Hathon and her husband Otis E. of Pembroke; a brother-in-law, Antonio F. daCruz, Jr. of Gloucester. 6 granddaughters, Jennifer M. Gill and her husband Gary, Catherine A. Kilshaw, Angela B. Kilshaw, Sarah E. Hathon, Meredith L. Asci and her husband Justin and Priscilla R. Hathon; 3 great-granddaughters and a great-grandson; several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Manuel Rato.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett Wednesday, October 27th at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours Tuesday, October 26th from 4-8 PM.