Joseph S. Luiz III

Born in New Bedford, a son of the late Joseph S. Luiz Jr. and the late Irene (Bento) Luiz, he was educated in local schools and served in the United States Coast Guard. He began his career in the construction industry as a union bricklayer, and for many years owned and operated J.S. Luiz III Construction Company.

Very active in community affairs, he was a member of the American Legion Post #166, Fairhaven, New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, United Way of New Bedford, Prince Henry Society, and was active in the Boys and Girls Club of greater New Bedford. He was an avid fisherman, loved his boat and the sea.

His favorite pastime was cooking and feeding his family and friends and talking about fishing. He was the recipient of many awards including Massachusetts State Senate Official Citation Award in Recognition of his outstanding accomplishment in Business and Community Service, United Way Community Service Awards from 1990-2000, United Way Spirit of Asking Award, 1994, City of New Bedford outstanding accomplishment in Business 1994, New Bedford Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year 1994, United Way Campaign Service Award, 1996, Outstanding Service Award, Board of Directors, New Bedford Chamber of Commerce 1998 and the United Way Community Award for Special Events 1998.

Surviving in addition to his wife; two daughters, Judith “Judy” Conventry and her husband Andy of Mesa, AZ., Jane Elsner of Abington, MA., one son; Joseph S. Luiz IV and his fianceé Judy Machado of Dartmouth, two step daughters; Jacqueline Cormier of Ft. Lauderdale ,FL. and Jody Cormier of Dartmouth, two sisters; Elaine Medeiros of Ft. Myers, FL., and Sandy Avila of Fairhaven, one brother; Jeffrey Lewis of Dartmouth, three granddaughters; Kristie, Jennah. Makayla, three grandsons; Joshua, Joseph V and Jonathan, one great grandson and two nephews. He was also uncle and godfather to Pamela Martin of Dartmouth.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service on Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 10:00AM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at DARTMOUTH 230 Russells Mills Rd. Dartmouth. Visitation will be Tuesday 6:00 to 8:00PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford PO Box 156 New Bedford, MA. 02741, the Nicholas Fernandes Scholarship c/o Ed Sylvia C.P.A. 67 Allen St. New Bedford, MA. 02740, or to the Humane Society & Shelter Southcoast, 31 Ventura Dr. Dartmouth, MA. 02747. Burial private.