George J. Furtado, 85, of New Bedford died Friday April 9, 2004 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Helen V. (Vieira) Furtado; they were married for 48 years.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Candido and Elsie (Leal) Furtado, he had lived in Fairhaven and New Bedford for most of his life.
He was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church.
Mr. Furtado was formerly employed as a bookkeeper for Eastern Sportswear for 31 years until his retirement.
During World War II, Mr. Furtado served in the U.S. Army with the 149th Infantry Regiment, participating in the Battles and Campaigns of New Guinea, Luzon and Southern Philippines. He was a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign ribbon, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one bronze star, the American Theater Campaign ribbon, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal.
Mr. Furtado enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved flowers and loved to work in his garden.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, Richard Furtado, and his wife Teresa, of South Dartmouth, and Robert Furtado, and his wife Michelle, of Fairhaven; a sister, Dorothy Fortin of Fairhaven; and four grandchildren, Ashley Grace Furtado, Kevin Furtado, Sarah Furtado and Laurie Furtado.
He was the father of an infant son who died at birth, and brother of the late Elsie Regan, Albert Furtado and Priscilla Sawicki.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, Tuesday April 13, 2004 at 9 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church at 10 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Monday April 12, 2004 from 4-8 PM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.