Robert Vicente

A proud United States Army veteran, Robert served with honor and courage in Vietnam. He was a True Hero, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Vietnam Combat Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Expert Rifle Badge for his bravery and sacrifice. His commitment to his fellow veterans continued throughout his life. He was an active and devoted member of numerous veterans’ organizations, including New Bedford Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 499, the Freetown Memorial VFW Post 6643, New Bedford DAV Chapter 7, the Acushnet American Legion Post 265, the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Robert’s dedication to service, both in uniform and his community, was a defining part of who he was.

Following his military service, Robert worked as a Postal Clerk for the New Bedford Post Office, where he served the public with reliability and kindness for 28 years until his retirement. He also worked as a fish cutter for Quality Fillets, Inc., where he used a specially constructed seat designed to support his leg injury from the war. He never let anything stand in his way.

When Robert arrived in Vietnam in 1968, he met a solider who had completed his one-year tour. The solider gave Robert a wristwatch that was given to him with the wish that it remains in Vietnam. When Robert left Vietnam, he was to pass the watch on to another soldier. Being seriously injured in 1969, he knew he’d be going home. As he was loaded onto the medivac helicopter, he gave the watch to Bob Kisner with the instruction that it was never to leave Vietnam. When the 9th Infantry Division was pulled out of Vietnam, Kisner had no one to give the watch to. At the 50th reunion of the 4/39th in 2018, Kisner presented the watch back to Robert in a ceremony in front of all his comrades – a testament to true honor.

Robert will be remembered for his strength, loyalty and unwavering patriotism. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the comrades he supported, and the family who loved him deeply.

He is survived by his loving son, Brandon R. Vicente and wife Brooke of Florida; his sisters, Debra Miller of Sandwich, and Janice Rezendes of Tennessee, his granddaughter, Sienna; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Joyce Nickulas, and was predeceased by his loving companion, the late Hazel Bettencourt.

His visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00pm, followed by a 5:00 PM service following Military Honors by his Veteran Services organizations in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA. 02745. Burial will be at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Freetown VFW Post 6643, P.O. Box 511, East Freetown, MA 02717 For online tributes, visit our website at www.rock-funeralhome.com