Robert E. “June-bug” Pires Jr., age 70, of Tulsa, Oklahoma transitioned home peacefully on Monday June 7, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years and soulmate of 47 years Lauriann (Silva) Pires.
Born in Middleboro, MA, the son of the late Robert E. Pires, Sr. and Olivia “Lucy” (Fontes) Pires he lived on Cape Cod and in New Bedford, Brockton and Taunton before moving to Oklahoma.
Robert loved being with his children and family. It’s what brought him the most happiness.
He was a graduate of the Rhema Bible College Class of 2002, and a chaplain for St. Francis Hospital and Southcrest Hospital in Oklahoma.
He had an amazing singing voice and was a volunteer in music ministry in churches that requested the beauty of his voice. He and his wife were known as Songbirds for the Lord. He also sang for the Rhema Choir and was Usher and Arms Bearer for Pastor Hagin of Rhema Church. Robert was also a volunteer on the free medical help van.
Robert was a member of IUOE Operating Engineers Local 4, in Massachusetts for 30 years until his retirement.
In addition to his loving wife Lauriann, he is survived by three daughters, Shaelene Mendes and her significant other Israel Robedo of New Bedford, Robyn Sylvia and Rae Pires-Kirkpatrick of Tulsa; two sons, Dwayne Rucker and his significant other Cecilia Cunningham of Fall River, and Robert E. Pires III, of Tulsa; 13 grandsons, Dejuan Rucker, Dwayne Rucker, Music Rucker, Joshua Costa, Jordan Lopes, Jakari Sylvia, Jaquan Davis, Ravaugn Pires, Kaden Pires, Rylen Pires, Robert Pires, Johnell Pires, and Mykel Pires; 10 granddaughters, Dyani Rucker, Florence Rucker, Neveah Rucker, Jael Davis, Shahlece Pires, Danae Mendes, Trinity Mendes, Jeniya Mendes, Alajha Pires and Reayanna Pires, and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Sheila Pires and Joann Santos, both of New Bedford; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and Godchildren.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Allan Pires, and his sister, Ronda Duarte.
Robert loved unconditionally and with all of his heart and will be missed by many.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday June 26, 2021 at 10 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Wareham. Visiting hours will be on Friday June 25, 2021 from 4-7 PM, followed by a Service of Remembrance from 7-8 PM. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.