James E. Almeida, 57, of New Bedford died Friday June 17, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness.
Born in Acushnet, the son of the late Edwin B. and Elizabeth "Betty" (Marshall) Almeida, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.
Mr. Almeida was formerly employed by Sears in Downtown New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Providence for 37 years until his retirement. He later worked as an assistant harbormaster in Fairhaven. He also was the manager of dispatch services for Tow Boat U.S./New Bedford Marine Rescue for the past several years.
Mr. Almeida was a graduate of Holy Family High School. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 until 1972. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1972 until 1973 and the U.S. Army Reserve from 1974 until his retirement in 1991. He was also a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 65 in Fairhaven. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Auxiliary Sustained Service Award, the Coast Guard Unit Commendation, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Medal
Survivors include a brother, Lawrence J. Almeida and wife Sari of New Bedford; a sister, Annmarie Ridings and her husband Courtland of Mattapoisett; two nephews, Eric Almeida and Aidan Ridings; a niece, Karen Almeida; and several aunts and uncles, including Eileen Marshall, with whom he resided.
He was the brother of the late Beth Almeida.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday June 21, 2005 at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 10 AM Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday June 20, 2005 from 4-8 PM.