Julio Joseph “Skip” Alves, Jr., 75, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on January 5, 2019.
He was the son of the late Julio Alves, Sr. and Alice (Neves) Alves.
Skip was a graduate of New Bedford Regional Vocational High School, where he was a star basketball player. His basketball skills got him inducted into the basketball hall of fame.
He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of various commendations including: The National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal and 2 O/S Bars (Overseas Service).
Skip was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for several years, working with children and the CETA program. He enjoyed working with the younger generation and preparing them for full time jobs.
He will be deeply missed by his longtime companion, Pearl Kydd and her children: Lionel, Shaylene, Kelli and John; his daughter, Kyla Swetnam and her husband T.J.; and Pearl's granddaughter, Angela.
Skip also leaves behind his uncle, Danny “Campa” Silva; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all love him dearly.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Robert Alves; his sister, Myrna Britto; and his daughter, Kwanza Barrett.
The family would like to thank the Good Shepherd Community Hospice team for the care provided to Skip during his illness.
His Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 11 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10-11 AM, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Skip's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.