Michael Adam Cardoza, 55, of Dartmouth died January 2, 2006 at home after a long illness.
He was the beloved husband of Deborah A. (Shea) Cardoza.
Born in Acushnet, he lived in Dartmouth most of his life.
He was a graduate of Southeastern Massachusetts University and later received his masters degree from Boston University. In college, Michael formed a veterans club on campus to assist student veterans. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of Massachusetts, Inc. He was a counselor at the Veterans Administration Center in Brockton and a director at the New Bedford Veterans Center. He was instrumental in the opening of the Hyannis Vietnam Veterans Association and Veterans Outreach Center of Fall River. He was instrumental in obtaining grants to purchase the former Frances P. Memorial Hospital to house veterans and became the founder of the Veterans Transition House. He was a member and president of the Coalition of Vietnam Veterans. For many years, he worked very hard assisting special needs families to receive the services they needed. He also served as Director of Substance Abuse Services through the Department of Public Health in Boston serving the homeless population. His presence will be missed by the countless number of special needs children, homeless people and especially veterans, whom he served for many many years indefatigably.
Survivors include his beloved wife; his two wonderful children, Meagan Monteiro and Kerry Cardoza, both of Dartmouth; his adoring grandchildren, Malcolm Monteiro and Gillian Monteiro, both of Dartmouth; his brother and friend, Donald Cardoza of Dartmouth; his aunt, Laurinda Cardozo of Acushnet; and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Rachel Cardoza.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church Wednesday, January 4th at 10 AM.
Visiting hours Tuesday, January 3rd 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.
Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.