Arnold I. Avellar, 87, of New Bedford died Thursday November 24, 2016 peacefully in his sleep at Brookdale Assisted Living. He was the husband of Helen (Bielski) Avellar.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late John and Margaret (Ward) Avellar, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.
Mr. Avellar was formerly employed as a local testman for Verizon until his retirement.
During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Andrews-Dahill Post 1531 Veterans of Foreign War.
He was a devout Catholic who faithfully attended 4 O'Clock Mass every Saturday. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox and was a big wrestling fan. More than anything, he loved being with his family and will be deeply missed.
In 1965, he co-founded and managed a sandlot baseball team called the West End Independents. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and was a faithful blood donor for many years.
The family would like to thank Dr. Chowdri, Dr. Signorella, and all the many doctors for their wonderful care. We also wish to thank the entire staff of Brookdale Assisted Living for treating our father with dignity and respect, as well as Community Nurse Home Care for their compassion in his final days.
Survivors include his wife; two children, Dennis Avellar and his life companion MaryEllen Cornell of Dartmouth, and Debbie Harrington and her husband Daniel of Dunellen, NJ; a sister, Aldina Avellar of New Bedford; and two grandchildren, Liam Harrington and his wife Dayna, and Erin Harrington.
He was the brother of the late Vernon Avellar, Russell Avellar, John Avellar, Jr., and Doris Feno.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the St. Vincent dePaul Society, Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.