Thomas Patrick "Pat" Affonce, 68, of New Bedford died Thursday September 19, 2002 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara J. (Downey) Affonce, and son of the late Merle (Heacock) and Anthony Edward Affonce.
Mr. Affonce was born in New Bedford and had lived in Fairhaven and New Bedford for most of his life.
Mr. Affonce was formerly employed as a fish lumper on the New Bedford waterfront for many years until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of the Fish Lumpers Union Local 1749.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and was a recipient of the Korean Service medal with 4 Bronze Service stars, the United Nations Service medal, the National Defense Service medal and the Combat Infantry badge.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and working in his yard.
Survivors include a daughter, Joan Marie Silva of New Bedford; 2 sons, Timothy Sean Affonce of New Bedford, and Stephen Edward Affonce of Fairhaven; 2 sisters, Cleone Silva of Dartmouth, and Colleen LeBlanc of Fairhaven; and 7 grandchildren, Matthew P. Hancock, Cassidy Leigh Silva, Sean Patrick Affonce, Kerynlynn Affonce, Stephen Affonce, Jr., Trisha Affonce, and David Affonce.He was the brother of the late Kenneth E. Affonce and Barbara Affonce Sullivan.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordMonday September 23, 2002 at 9 AM.Funeral Mass at St. James Church at 10 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday September 22, 2002 from 4-8 PM. Burial will be private.