Walter I. Barboza

Walter I Barboza lived 97 years, he was born in Osterville, MA., on January 10, 1927. His parents were Manuel Canto Barboza and Mary Gomes Barboza. Most of his years were spent in Cape Cod, MA., immersed in his Cape Verdean culture; however, throughout his life he continually broadened his horizons.

After graduating from High School, he joined the Navy and expanded his life experiences beyond Cape Cod. He was stationed in Oxnart, California before being shipped overseas. He served in Okinawa, Guam, and Saipan. His military achievements were recognized and awarded with the, The WWII Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon and Point System.

When he returned from his military duties his life on Cape Cod resumed. He enjoyed his time on the golf course, riding his bike with his friends in their Motorcycle Clubs, playing his Saxophone and rejoining the social life.

Walter married Suzanne Rodgers and they had 5 children (Carla, Walter, Mary Ann, Peter, and Karen) 2 stepchildren (Bruce and Tanya) together. His 2nd marriage was to Julia Grace and they had 5 children together (Michelle, Michael, Monique, Margo, and Keith). Both of his wives pre-deceased him. Walter’s 12 children blessed him with 21 grandchildren, 35 Great grandchildren, and even one Great-great grandchild born in December of 2023.

Walter will be remembered by some of well-known habits, driving his car with gas needle on E. resulting in him gingerly walking and whistling with the gas can (he always kept in the car) to the nearest gas station. In his later years he couldn’t pass a yard sale or thrift store in search of a good bargain.

His Cape Verdean ethnicity and African American race fueled his lifelong passion for protecting the rights of those that couldn’t exercise their own rights. Walter was always studying, and his main focuses included business, politics, history and the spiritual world around him. He was compelled to become an Ordained Christian Minister in 2016. He used his God given intellectual astuteness and talents to become an effective Civil Rights Activist.

Walter’s Activism was far reaching, he spent time with Yolanda King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Walter was immensely proud of his contribution to the Non-Violence Movement and saved personal correspondence from Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

As a staunch advocate for Civil Rights and Social Change he involved himself with and established many organizations including the Portuguese Harwich Men’s Club the and the C.A.H.A.N.A. Organization.

Walter will have an enduring legacy, the family will contribute many of his personal writings, pictures, and books to libraries and museums.