SOMERSET — Paul Richard Gifford, 69, of Somerset, MA, passed away on July 5, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a two year battle with brain cancer. He was the husband of Judith (Johnson) Gifford.
Born in New Bedford, MA on September 20, 1944, he was the son of the late Ernest H., Sr. and Sophia M. (Baron) Gifford. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was the owner of Gifford Marine Co., Inc. since 1974 and resided in South Dartmouth from 1966 to 1998 and then Swansea until 2013. He served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant (1st 211th Artillery Battery B) in the late 1960s. He was a member of the New Bedford Yacht Club for many years where he also served as Treasurer in the 1980s. His hobbies included boating, fishing, antique boat and motor restoration, motorcycles, flying and recreational shooting. He was happiest when spending time with his adoring family.
Survivors include his wife Judi, his two children, Pamela Gifford Rodrigues (Bryan) of Franklin, MA, Paul J. Gifford (Carrie) of Somerset, MA; five brothers, Albert Gifford of Poughkeepsie, NY, James Gifford of Chaplin, CT, Ernest H. Gifford, Jr. of Westport, MA, David and Edwin Gifford of Dartmouth, MA; six grandchildren, Allison, Emma, Vanessa, Natalie, Andrew, Elizabeth; several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 PM, Thursday, July 10 at the Wilson Chapel Funeral Home, 479 County St, New Bedford, MA. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Friday, July 11 at Saint John The Baptist Church, 945 Main Rd, Westport, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul's memory specifically to the "Stephen and Catherine Pappas Neuro-Oncology Support Fund" at the Massachusetts General Hospital (give.massgeneral.org) or to the Southcoast VNA Hospice (www.southcoastvna.org).