TAUNTON – David M. Raposa, 93, of Raynham, husband of the late Shirley (DeMoura) Raposa, died at Morton Hospital after a short stay on February 18, 2016.
A 1940 Graduate of Taunton High School, he was a WWII Veteran, having served from December 1942 through December 1945.
Basic training at Camp Forrest, TN; also stationed at Camp Gordon, GA and Fort Bragg, NC. Served with the 989th Field Artillery Battalion, becoming a Sergeant, and taking part in Battles and Campaigns at Normandy, Northern France, the Falaise Gap, Alsace Lorraine, Rhineland and Central Europe.
He was awarded the European Theater Ribbon with four bronze stars; the Presidential Unit Citation; the Fourragere of the Croix de Guerre; and the Good Conduct Medal.
Born in Taunton, MA, he was the son of Manuel and Maria (Simas) Rapozo, who had immigrated to the United States from the village of Faial da Terra, St. Miguel, Azores.
He was employed for 45 years by the former Reed and Barton Silversmiths and retired in 1988.
He es survived by his son, David R. Raposa; sister Linda Raposa of Taunton; brother Jerry Raposa and his wife Carol of Attleboro; sister in law Betty Raposa of Taunton; nieces and nephews Lisa and Steven Raposa of Taunton, Maribeth Enos of Warwick RI, Marilyn Jonas of Wilton NH, Ted Raposa of Delaware, Scott Demaine of Greenville RI, Kathy Reposa of E. Taunton, who with her daughters Courtney, Stephanie and husband Mark were of great help to him over the past four years; nine great nieces and nephews and six great-great nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his brothers Louis, Daniel, Manuel, and sisters Mary, Evelyn, Elsie Raposa and Irene (Raposa) Demaine.
Traveling with his family was a high priority and they visited many places over the years.
In addition, he enjoyed decades of dancing with his wife Shirley, the company of their good friends, working in his yard, and in his later years, doting on his cats.
He was active and enjoyed life; going to his favorite restaurants, seeing his friends at Wendy's and IHop, exercising at Sturdy Hospital Wellness Program and making new friends up until his death.
His funeral will be held at the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Saturday, Feb. 27th at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Ann’s Church in Raynham at 10 a.m.
Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Calling Hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Feb. 26th from 5 to 8 p.m.
Flowers appreciated, or you may send donations in his name to Nine Lives of Norton, 84 Hill St., Norton, MA 02766 or Sturdy Memorial Foundation Wellness Program, Attn: Development Office, P.O. Box 2963, 211 Park St. Attleboro, MA 02703.
Funeral home website: www.silvafuneralhome.com.