After a long and fulfilling life, we are sad to announce the passing of our father, George P. Regis, on August 17, 2022 at The New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home following a period of declining health. The son of Italian immigrants, Giacomo and Angelina (Reale) Regis, George was born on February 23, 1925 and he lived in New Bedford his entire life. George was a 67-year member of the Local 327 Carpenter's Union and spent the first chapter of his career as a construction superintendent on many projects located in the Boston and Cape Cod areas. Following his retirement from the construction industry, he began substitute teaching at New Bedford Vocational High School and did so for many years until he retired from the second chapter of his career in his early 80s. George was an avid reader, spending many hours immersed in mysteries. Additionally, in his later years, he enjoyed walking to keep up his strength.
He was a long-time communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Later in life, George showed his continued commitment to our country by volunteering at the Fort Taber / Fort Rodman Military Museum in New Bedford's south end.
He was the husband of the late Elizabeth (Simone) Regis and the late Blanche (Souza) Regis.
Survivors include his son, George Regis Jr., and his wife, Nan, of Acushnet; 3 daughters, Ann Marshall and her husband, Robert, of Lakeville, Jane Zexter and her husband, Alan, of Dartmouth, and Susan Gibson and her husband, Dean, of Columbus, Ohio; a step-son, James Hoesterey of Westport; a step-daughter, Jeanne Desrosiers and her husband, Leo, of Florida; a son-in-law, Paul Tiernan and his wife, Donna, of New Bedford; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Kathleen Tiernan and the brother of the late Norma Regis, Peter Regis, Carl Regis and Mary Camaioni.
His family and friends who predeceased him welcomed him into Heaven.
We wish to thank the staffs at The Cottages at Dartmouth Village in North Dartmouth and The New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home for the loving care that they provided for our father during his later years and period of declining health.
Say not in grief that he is no more, but rather in thankfulness that he was.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 12:15 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 283 Mill Street, New Bedford, MA. Visiting hour will begin at 11:15 a.m. at the church. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in George's memory may be sent to St. Lawrence Martyr Church Food Pantry, 110 Summer Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740.