Heitor J. Amaral

Heitor J. Amaral, age 71, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026 at his brother's home. He was born on September 10, 1954, in Sao Miguel, Azores, and came to the United States in 1969, settling in New Bedford.

Heitor was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Germana (Dutra) Amaral. Throughout his life, he was known for a gentle spirit and a kind-hearted way of moving through the world—steady, considerate, and quietly thoughtful in how he treated others.

For more than 20 years, Heitor worked as a janitor at Joseph Abboud Manufacturing until his retirement. He was a well-respected and valued employee.

Heitor was a man of routine who found meaning in the simple, familiar rhythms of each day. He loved his daily visits to Friendly Donuts, where the owner Robert Correia, his wife Lidia, son Corey, and all the staff, became a second family to him. He also valued his friendship with Joe DeMelo, whom he had known for many years, as well as his neighbors at Tabor Mills Apartments, where he lived for the past 34 years. Heitor loved life, loved his family, and loved the simple things in life. He will be remembered by many as a sweet, kind and loving man.

Heitor's family would like to thank the staff at Community Nurse, especially Sandy Dias for her sincere care and compassion.

He is survived by a brother, John Amaral and his wife Rosemarie; two sisters, Idalia Amaral, and Teresa Figueira and her husband Honorio; two nieces, Melissa McCrain and her husband Christopher, and Bethanie Raymond and her husband Ryan; and great nieces and great nephews, Tyler and Emma McCrain, and Jaxson and Violet Raymond.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 29th at 10:00 am in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth followed by burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Heitor’s memory can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Arrangements are in the care of Rock Funeral Home.