Edward L. Tavares. Age 79. Husband of Pauline J. (Potter) Tavares for 53 years. Residence 38 Oregon Ave., Somerset, MA. Died Tuesday in his sleep after suffering a stroke on Monday morning. Born in Fall River, MA. Son of the late Manuel L. Tavares and the late Mary (Lima) Tavares. He was a Somerset resident for 41 years.Before retiring 13 years ago, he was Credit Manager at Papst Mechatronics of Middletown. Previously, he was a Credit Manager at U.S. Record Company for 18 years. He was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School and earned a Business Degree from Fall River Business Institute in 1947. He dedicated his adult life to community service, volunteering his time to numerous civic, academic and religious organizations. He is best know for his work with the Somerset Friends of Music, serving as vice-president and long-time member of the Board of Directors. He was also Director of the Musictown Festival Parade from 1976-2002. In recognition of his dedication to the students of Somerset High School, he was presented with the Massachustts Music Educators Advocacy Award in 1998 in acknowledgement of his years of service. He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Somerset, a member of the Parish Council and was Past President and Treasurer of the Men’s Club. He was awarded the Marian Medal by Bishop Daniel Cronin in 1985. Additionally, Ed served as a coach in the Somerset Little League and served as a Den Leader in the Cub Scouts. He has chaperoned dozens of trips for student and community groups throughout the East Coast, and is Past President of the Somerset Chapter of the American Association for Retired Persons. In 1997, Mr. Tavares was awarded the Hometown Hero Award, presented by the Fall River Five Cent Savings Bank and in 2005 was presented the John S. Brayton Jr. Memorial Community Service Award.
Besides his wife of Somerset, he is survived by One Son Michael E. Tavares of Norton, MA. One Daughter: Karen M. Tavares of Newport, RI. Two Grandchildren: Lauren and Jenna Tavares.
His funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, 1521 N.Main St., Fall River, MA. Friday at 8:45 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick Church, South St., Somerset, MA at 10:00 A.M. Internment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Fall River, MA. Calling hours Thursday 2-5 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Somerset Friends of Music Scholarship Fund. P.O. Box 242, Somerset, MA 02726.