Jose C. "Rookie" Almeida, 91, of New Bedford died May 28, 2013 at the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home after a brief illness.
He was the beloved husband of Rose M. (Silva) Almeida.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Candido and Antonia (Cruz) Almeida, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Almeida was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
He was formerly employed by J.C. Rhodes for many years until his retirement and was a member of the Massachusetts Laborers Union.
Mr. Almeida served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He participated in the battle of Central Burma and was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign ribbon and the World War II Victory medal.
Mr. Almeida was a member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association and the Cape Verdean Ultramarine Band Club.
He loved to play cards at the Verdean Vets and was an accomplished pool player. In his spare time, he loved to walk around his beloved New Bedford. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home for their care, devotion and dedication.
Survivors include his beloved wife; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Gomes; nieces, Tanya Silva, Marion Wilson, Marcia Cruz, Marie Robinson, Cynthia Gomes and Elayne Battle; Godchildren, Jeffrey Almeida, Lt. Col. Gary Britto, David Depina, Freddie Ramos, Chuckie Rozario and Phyllis Rozario.
He was predeceased by his brother, Toi Almeida, sister-in-law, Silvestra Silva, brother-in-law, Joseph "Dje Dje" Gomes, nephew, Jamal Cruz and nieces Dolores "Cookie" Silva and Caroline Almeida.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Monday, June 3rd at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours Sunday, June 2nd from 4-7 PM.