Richard Emile Cabral

Mr. Richard Cabral, 86, of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away on December 30, 2024, at his home in Goodyear. He was born on September 18, 1938, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Edward and Hilda Cabral.

Richard enjoyed a happy childhood, filled with memories of playing with friends, singing on the stoop outside a local paint store, and climbing trees in his neighborhood. He graduated from New Bedford High School in June 1956 and, with a strong sense of duty, immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of his 30-year military career, Richard served his country with distinction. Initially an aviation metalsmith, he later pursued further education, attending St. Luke’s School of Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse. He served as a nurse in the Navy until his retirement as a Lt. Commander in 1989.

After retiring, Richard moved to Oak Harbor, Washington, where he worked as an operating room nurse at Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville. In 2001, he moved to Goodyear, Arizona, and bought a home in PebbleCreek, where he became known for his warmth and kindness. Richard had many interests, including crafts, ceramics, playing the organ, learning to sew, quilting, and cross-stitching. He loved playing card games, solving puzzles, and was known to give the best bear hugs.

Richard was united in marriage to his loving wife, Catherine, on June 26, 1993. Together, they blended their families and created a home filled with love and laughter.

Richard is survived by his wife, Catherine Cabral; daughters Cathy (Mike) Bowers and Christina Borgstrom; sons Scott (Lori) Cabral, R.J. (Rubi) Borgstrom, and Nathaniel (Eileen) Borgstrom; and his sister Linda Lopes. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Rick Bowers, Jessica Moran, Dominick Borgstrom, and Adam Borgstrom; and his three great-grandchildren: Roan, Quinn, and Kieran Moran and Scarlet Thorton. Richard is also survived by many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edward M. Cabral.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Thompson Funeral Chapel. The funeral mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, with burial to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Program in Richard’s memory.

Richard’s legacy of love, service, and care for others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.