Dartmouth – Elder (Al) Avila passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017 on his 91st birthday surrounded by loving family and friends. He was the beloved husband of the late Norma Jean Avila and the son of the late Gregory and Alexandria Avila.
Elder, who was born in Dartmouth, lived in this area for all 91 years of his life. His parents immigrated from Portugal and he is a first generation American. He joined the army in September 1950, and after his service to his country, worked for the Bristol County Mosquito Control. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, spending time at Dartmouth Council on Aging and time with his friends and family.
He is survived by 2 children: Michelle Fournier and her husband, Lawrence, of West Wareham, and Gregory Roy Avila and his wife, Donna (Pinto) of New Market, Alabama; 5 grandchildren: Heather Truscinski, Jacob Avila, Melissa Sullivan, Julie McPherson and Todd Elder Fournier; sisters, Alice Reis and Norma Cambra, both from Dartmouth, MA; as well as 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother and 4 sisters.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made payable to Town of Dartmouth and sent in his memory to DARTMOUTH COUNCIL ON AGING 628 Dartmouth St. So Dartmouth, MA 02748. Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, MA.