Robert L. Wilkinson

Robert L. Wilkinson, age 84 of New Bedford, passed away Wednesday, November 21, 2018 in St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Maria da Paz (de Sousa Alves) Wilkinson to whom he had been happily married for 31 years. He had been previously married to the late Martha Caroline (Pereira Souza) Wilkinson.

Born in Boston, son of the late George H. and Isabelle (Roderiques) Wilkinson, he was a lifelong New Bedford resident. He was the brother of the late George and Roger Wilkinson. He attended New Bedford Vocational High School and was employed as a machinist for 31 years at Chamberlain Manufacturing, retiring in 1992.

Robert was a loving, kind husband, father & friend. He loved fishing, dancing and travel to Madeira and Brazil to visit with family. He was one of the first people to hang his Christmas tree upside-down. Robert was a 9th generation Mayflower descendent of Myles Standish. He was a social member of the Club Madeirense SS Sacramento for many years. Known as a handyman, even in retirement, he spent years digging out his basement by hand to create the family cellar.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by four children: David of New Bedford, Paul (wife Beverly) of Palm Springs, CA, Richard (wife Rocio) of Bridgewater and Patricia Hood of Sunland, CA; 5 grandchildren: Jeffrey, Glen, Corbin, Isabella and David; 6 surviving sisters-in-law: Filomena, Shirley, Rita and Delores Souza, Peggy Wilkinson, and Suzy DaSilva; in-laws in Brazil: Carlos, Fernando, Americo and Alda Alves.

His funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford, followed by his burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s name may be made to: Club Madeirense SS Sacramento Charitable Foundation; Vocational Fund, 50 Madeira Ave, New Bedford, MA 02746. To leave a note of condolence: http://www.rock-funeralhome.com