Bruce A.Furtado, 54 of New Port Richey, FL passed away on May 19, 2016 after a courageous fight against Leukemia. Bruce was a native to New Bedford until 2005, when he and his family moved to Florida. Bruce was a United States Marine Corp Veteran serving from 1979-1986. Bruce worked in construction for many years, had his own home building company, and most recently worked as Chief Building Engineer in Property Management in Tampa.
Bruce was an avid salt water fisherman and loved to be out on his boat enjoying the ocean. Bruce was a huge sports fan, but especially loved the Patriots and RedSox. Bruce was sure to pass on his love of baseball to his children. He coached his daughter in softball and his son and nephews in baseball at S.E.Y.A.A where he eventually became the league president. Bruce used his passion for the sport to teach young kids valuable life lessons daily. Bruce’s greatest love was his wife Sharon, who he fondly called his “LouLou” and was so proud to have her fighting his battle right beside him. His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable, and it was evident on his face when he saw or spoke about his “punkin and bubba”. Bruce was a true family man and made sure everyone around him was surrounded by happiness and laughter.
Bruce is predeceased by his father Earl Gifford. Survivors include his loving wife Sharon; daughter Jessica Furtado and husband Nelson Santo of Trinity, FL; son Derek Furtado of New Port Richey, FL; mother Teresa Gifford of Dartmouth, MA; 2 brothers Robert Furtado of New Bedford, MA and Russell Furtado of Fairhaven, MA; his grandchildren Aubrey and Lucas Santo of Trinity, FL.
The family will receive friends and family Monday June 6, 2016 from 5-8pm at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth ST. New Bedford, MA 02740. Funeral from the Perry Funeral Home Tuesday at 8:45 A.M. with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church in South Dartmouth at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in South Dartmouth Cemetery. Monetary donations can be made to Moffitt Cancer Center https://moffitt.org/give-back/donate/ in memory of Bruce A. Furtado