Raul M. Benevides

Raul M. Benevides, age 92 (but forever 25 and a half), of Fall River, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Luisa M. (Cabral) Benevides. Born and educated in Arrifes, Sao Miguel, Acores, a son of the late Luis and Diamantina (Medeiros) Benevides, he immigrated to the United States in 1966, settling in Fall River, MA.

With a natural passion for entertainment, Raul was an adored radio host and producer, broadcasting his program Acores-Madeira & Despertar both locally and internationally for over 50 years. He touched so many people through the airwaves with his comedic personality, open studio policy, fundraising efforts, and genuine compassion for the community.

Always humble, he was instrumental in numerous blood drives and fundraising efforts for the American Red Cross, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the American Cancer Society, and the main orphanage in Sao Miguel (Gaiatos). In addition, his radio program helped raise funds to provide proper medical care to those in need.

Raul was the proud recipient of the Comendador de Merit of Prince Henry the Navigator, one of the highest awards given by the President of Portugal. He was the driving force in establishing Fall River and Ponta Delgada as sister cities and has received recognition from President Clinton, Governor Weld, Governor Celucci, Congressman Barney Frank and various Mayors of Fall River for his countless achievements. Raul was the first president of the Portuguese-American Business Association and had active involvement in the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost. He also served as a commissioner on both the Fall River Board of Elections and the Fall River Port Authority. To honor his accomplishments, his village of Arrifes in Sao Miguel dedicated a plaque in his name.

Raul enjoyed bike riding, playing tennis and found peace when practicing Maharishi Yogi’s Transcendental Meditation. Proclaimed “the crazy man”, Raul was a great joke teller with an infectious laugh and the natural ability to make others laugh. A true animal lover, he will be sadly missed by his companion Barkus. Above all, he inspired others with his unwavering positive attitude and belief that with love anything could be achieved – a principle felt by all who received his love. He will be forever remembered for living a life full of joy, love, and laughter.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Maria de Deus “Mariazinha” Benevides Souza and her fiancé John Picard of Fall River; beloved granddaughter, Kaetlan Grace Souza of Fall River; one brother, Joao Benevides of Sao Miguel; one sister, Maria Joao Rodrigues of Toronto; brother-in-law; Francisco Cabral of Tiverton, and many nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Grace Benevides Furtado and brother of the late Maria Jose Medeiros, Diamantina Canito, Luis, Manuel and Joao Benevides.

His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 9:00AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in Santo Christo Church, Columbia St., Fall River. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Contributions in his honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St, Framingham, MA 01701, the American Red Cross, 101 Station Landing, Suite 510, Medford, MA 02155 and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 9 Erie Dr, Ste 101, Natick, MA 01760. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.

For tributes or directions, please visit www.waring-sullivan.com