North Dartmouth – Stephen Jesus Braz, age 80, of Dartmouth, MA passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. He was born in New Bedford to the late Carminda (Almeida) Braz and John Braz Sr, and had two brothers John Braz Jr, of Fairhaven, and Leslie Braz, of Maryland, all gone before him. He was married almost 5 years to the love of his life Bonnie Mae (Conway) Braz, who passed away May 04, 2020.
Stephen Braz was a talented man and has done many things throughout his life, always improving himself along the way. He did work as a single copy supervisor for the Standard Times, until his retirement, and for H&R Block during his retirement. He was in the Navy from 1962 to 1964, and was very proud of the time he served. He and his wife Bonnie were long time residents of Dartmouth, in the same house they designed and built.
Stephen had many interests, too many to list. Among some of them was an amateur radio operator, which he had a lifetime HAM radio license, riding his motorcycle, taking flying lessons, and taking trips with his wife Bonnie, of which they took many. Stephen was a devoted catholic, and he looked forward to going to church every day at St. Julie Billiart in Dartmouth.
He had many affiliations, here are a few. He was a member of the Star in the East Lodge A.F. & A.M. for 53 years, and also served as Grand Master Mason of the lodge for several years. He was also a member of the Jaycees International Senate, where he had served as Secretary General.
Stephen was a generous man and donated to many charitable organizations for which he was very passionate about.
Stephen is survived by his two nieces Melinda (Braz) Lema, of Taunton, and Marianne Bierman, of Florida; his first cousins, Ronald Nicholas, of Florida, Shiela Costa of South Dartmouth, Michael Almeida of South Dartmouth, and Carol Sawicki of Fairhaven; as well as several second cousins.
Stephens services will be held in September, 2023 at a date to be determined, please check our website for updates.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford MA.
Obituary lovingly provided by the family.