Peter M. Britto, Jr., 91, of New Bedford died Saturday, December 9, 2023 at home after a long illness. He was the husband of Avis M. (Lopes) Britto.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Pedro and Gertrude (Almeida) Britto, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Peter honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
He was formerly employed at New Bedford Floor Covering for many years and was also employed as a Court Officer at Superior Court in New Bedford for 15 years until his retirement. In retirement, he was the proprietor of his own painting company, PEAMA Painting.
Peter enjoyed being with his family, traveling with his wife and family, attending gatherings, and most of all being out and about in his beloved community. For more than 60 years, Peter has been a basketball coach, official, mentor, and an ambassador for both youth and adult sports in the New Bedford community. He used the game to teach youngsters of all ages in the Whaling City about respect, responsibility, and change. Peter always tried to instill the mentality that the city is all one big community in the youths that he mentored. In addition to basketball, Peter was involved in all types of sporting activities including baseball, football, softball, soccer, and golf.
In the words of New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, "For nearly two generations, Peter has been a positive role model for young athletes in our city. Through the game of basketball, he has made New Bedford a stronger community."
Peter's contributions have earned him plenty of recognition over the years and it's hard to mention basketball without smiling and thinking of him. His strengthening of the community is just a side effect of the love and care that he showed for each child of New Bedford.
He is survived by wife Avis; 3 children, Monique Hazard Munir and her husband Jafar Munir, Eric Britto and his wife Suzanne, and April Elderkin and her husband Marcus; 6 grandchildren, Eric Britto, Jr., Jade Brooks, LaShawna Hazard, Jamaal Hazard, Marcus Elderkin, Jr., and Amber Elderkin; 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by four brothers, Manny, Benny, George, and Roy Britto; and two sisters, Marie Almeida and Evelyn Gomes.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's memory may be made to a scholarship fund in his name through the "Youth United Program" which he developed over 20 years ago. Checks should be made payable to the City of New Bedford with Peter Britto included in the memo line and mailed to the New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches, 181 Hillman St., Building #3, New Bedford, MA 02740.
His Funeral Service will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 at 9:45 AM at the Christian Fellowship Center, 822 Church St., New Bedford, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 2-6 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.