John Freitas, Jr., 81, of New Bedford died Saturday January 17, 2004 at home after a long and courageous battle with heart disease. He was the husband of the late Beverly B. (Wilson) Freitas.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late John and Anna (Goulart) Freitas, he had lived in New Bedford for all of his life.
Mr. Freitas was formerly employed as a machinist and boiler fireman for Morse Cutting Tools for 42 years until his retirement.
He was a member and President of the Morse Fishing Club, and a member of the Morse Retirees and the Hawthorn Athletic Club.
Mr. Freitas was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed attending his grandson's sporting events. He was always there to help others and was a devoted friend to many.
Survivors include 3 daughters, Sheila A. Couto, and her husband Herman, Joanne M. Almeida, and Sherrie Booker, and her husband Brian, all of New Bedford; a sister, Dorothy Martins, and her husband Manuel, of Dartmouth; 3 grandchildren, Scott Couto, and his wife Maria, Tina Serpa, and her husband William, and Kyle Booker; and 5 great-grandchildren, Jeffrey Couto, Kylie Serpa, Katie Serpa, William R. Serpa V, and Alyssa Couto.He was the father-in-law of the late Norman Almeida.
His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday January 21, 2004 at 10 AM in St. Julie Billiart Church, North Dartmouth. Burial in St. John's Cemetery will be private. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to the charity of one's choice.