Edward H. "Eddie" Barros, 89, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was the husband of Alice (Baptista) Barros with whom he shared 63 years of marriage.
Born in Covada, Brava, Cape Verde, "Tui" was the son of the late Henrique DeBarros and the late Maria (Freitas) Pires. He had resided in Dartmouth and New Bedford for the past 46 years.
He arrived in New York City from the Cape Verde Islands on a cold, snowy day in December of 1946 with three brothers and sister. They made New Bedford their home in January, 1947, along with another sister. Mr. Barros received his education in New Bedford and worked numerous jobs in the city. In his younger years, he was a newspaper delivery boy for the Standard-Times, and a pinball setter at the Playdium and Cougar Bowling Alleys. He was proud of his reputation as one of the fastest pinball setters in the city.
Edward enlisted in the United States Army in September, 1956 at Fort Devens. He was extremely proud of his 20 years of service to his country, retiring in 1976. He traveled widely during his military career, and was stationed in New Jersey, Colorado and California, as well as Hawaii, Germany, Vietnam and Korea. He also visited Berlin, East and West Germany, Japan and Australia while in the service.
After his retirement from the military, he worked at Cliftex Corporation and also purchased and sold many New Bedford real estate properties.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Edward H. Barros, Jr. and wife, Kristine, of Upland, California; and three daughters, Deborah Emond of South Dartmouth; Diana Ragas and husband, Armando, of Lakeville, and Mary Barros and partner, Melissa Gamage, of Warwick, RI.
He also leaves his sister, Priscilla (DeBarros) Crisostomo of Boston, MA; his sister, Hilda (Pires) Duarte of New Bedford, MA and brother, Jorge Barros of Montana, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, including Jean Barros and Domingas Ramos, both of New Bedford.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Joao H. "John" DeBarros, Viriato M. (Victor) DeBarros, Henrique P. Barros, Joseph H. Barros, and sister, Ana Barros.
He took great pride and joy in his grandchildren and was "Papa" to Connor Ragas, Trevor Ragas, Marshall Emond, Angela Emond and Valerie Emond. He was also "Papa" to step-granddaughter Haley (Phillips) Patino and step-great grandfather to Julian Patino.
He enjoyed spending much of his free time in his garden and always happily anticipated "dessert time." He loved Creole music and was an excellent dancer.
His Funeral will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford with full military honors. Visiting hours will be Friday, June 30th from 4 - 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center,