Frank Vieira, 92, of New Bedford passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at his residence to join his angel, Evelyn. Frank was the husband of the late Evelyn (Cardoza) Vieira who passed away November 1st, 2015. They were married on January 12, 1946. Frank was born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph Vieira and Mary R. (Vital) Vieira. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church.
He is survived by two daughters, Carol Machado and her husband Richard Machado of FL and Deborah Vieira and her husband John Krivak of Falmouth; two granddaughters, Charlene Vermette of FL and Jennifer Rose of FL, as well as five great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.
He was pre deceased by his brothers, the late James Vieira, Dennis Vieira, and Gilbert Vieira.
Frank was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy as a third class Petty Offifer on the U.S.S. Little Rock, CL92, and the U.S.S. Donner, LSD. He served in the European Mediterranean 6th Fleet. He also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve at the rank of Sergeant. He was employed at the Paul A. Dever State School from 1957 through 1973.
He was elected Bristol County Commissioner from 1973through 1979, serving two years as Chairman, elected Bristol County Treasurer from 1979 through 1989 and served as Chairman of the Bristol County Retirement Board from 1979 through 1989. He was elected to the Massachusetts County Personnel Board, representing Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Dukes Counties.
Frank served on the board of Trustees for Bristol County Agriculture High School, the Paul A. Dever State School and he served on the first board of trustees for Bristol Community College. He was a member of the New Bedford Park Commission from 1962 through 1972 and the New Bedford Conservation Commission from 1969 through 1970. He was a recipient of the Community Leader of America award in 1969.
Frank retired in 1989 after 33 years of public service.
He was the former President of A.F.S.C.M.E. local #651 and served on the executive board of Massachusetts A.F.S.C.M.E. council, Boston #41.
Frank was a life member of VFW Post #3260 and American Legion Post #166, and Post Commander of the Portuguese American War Veterans Post #1.
He was a life member of the U.S.S. Littlerock Association, serving several years on the board of directors, a member of the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC and a member of the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association.
He was very devoted to his wife of 69 years and his family. He especially enjoyed entertaining his family in his home on the holidays. He and Evelyn were avid Karaoke singers and enjoyed their time singing with their friends.
Frank was very patriotic and was proud to be an American. His daily routine started with reading the newspaper and watching the TV news, being concerned about New Bedford, Massachusetts, the United States and how world events affected our lives.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 10 a.m in St. Mary’s Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org or The Salvation Army, 619 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740; www.salvationarmyma.org. For online tribute, www.rock-funeralhome.com.
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