Joseph L. Heath, 91, of New Bedford died January 14, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Dorothy E. (Dillies) Heath.
Mr. Heath was a lifelong resident of New Bedford.
He attended the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford.
Mr. Heath was formerly employed by Teledyne Rodney Metals for many years until his retirement.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Heath was a member of the Howland Lodge A.F. & A.M. and Quittacus Lodge A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite and the Aleppo Shriners.
He was a graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1940 and later attended New Bedford Textile School and Wentworth Institute.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Cleveland Heath of Medfield; a daughter, Susan-Jayne Westner and her husband Rudolf of Niantic, CT; a brother, Ernest Heath of Randolph, MA; 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A private burial service will held at Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com