William H. Burgess, Jr., 83, of New Bedford died January 9, 2011 at home after a brief illness.
He was the husband of Agnes (Cordeiro) Burgess.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late William H. and Lucy (Eddleston) Burgess, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
In 1951, he joined the New Bedford Fire Department where he served for 32 years before retiring as District Fire Chief.
Mr. Burgess enjoyed travel, trips to Foxwoods and watching sports. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Halford participating in seven major battles in the South Pacific. He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with 5 battle stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 battle stars and the World War II Victory Medal.
Survivors include his wife; a son, William H. Burgess, III of Seminole, FL; 2 daughters, Joyce Felix of Port Charlotte, FL and Susan Lawrence of Acushnet; a sister, Mildred DiMascola of Gales Ferry, CT; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Robert Burgess, brother of the late Evelyn Park and brother-in-law of the late Walter Park.
His Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 14th at 9 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday, January 13th from 5-8 PM.