Edward T. Cabral, son of the late Joseph and Belvina Cabral, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday May 1, 2020. Edward became another victim of the coronavirus. He was 88 years old. He was blessed in many ways from the days of his youth until the day he passed away. A very private person, he lived a simple life and never complained.
Edward was a graduate of Holy Family High School, Class of 1950. He went on to the seminary to study for the priesthood at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick, RI. He left the seminary and joined the United States Air Force in 1954. He spent most of his enlistment in London, England, where he was a photographer.
In 1959, he returned to New Bedford where he studied and graduated from the Swain School of Design. His paintings and murals can be seen on many walls and homes throughout the city. He later graduated from the New Bedford Textile Institute in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then went on to study for his Master’s degree.
Edward taught art classes at the Normandin Junior High School for many years. He enjoyed the time he spent with the students.
The one thing that Edward loved most was being a choir member at St. Lawrence Church and singing on Holy days and at Sunday Masses. When Mother Teresa came to New Bedford in 1995, he was part of the choir that sang for her. It was a very special event, something that he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Edward leaves his siblings, Walter Cabral and his wife Gisele of Sun City, Florida, Norma Hardy and her husband Arthur of New Bedford, and David Cabral and his wife Betty of New Bedford, and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Joseph, Norman, and Raymond Cabral.
He leaves us all with a very heavy heart. He will be dearly missed.
Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, a private family burial will be held at Rural Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Lawrence Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MSPCA or our local animal shelters. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.