Leonard P. Oliveira, 65, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 23rd, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, surrounded by all his family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Virginia (Xavier) Oliveira of New Bedford.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joaquim P. Oliveira and Alice (Costa) Oliveira, he lived in New Bedford all his life. He was presently employed by C&S Wholesale Grocers. Mr. Oliveira worked in the grocery business for over forty years. His retail career included People’s, Fernandes, Superplace, and SuperValu.
He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford, and served as a Eucharistic minister for many years.
His love for his family and friends was his greatest gift. His generosity and patience were unlimited and he impacted the lives of everyone he touched. Mr. Oliveira enjoyed fishing, horseshoes, and entertaining everyone around him with his endless humor and quick wit.
Survivors include his wife; eight children: Susan, Robert and his wife, Tracy, Donna Gadbois, and her husband Paul, all of Dartmouth; Deborah, and her husband, James Shuey, of New Orleans; David, and his wife, Susan, of New Bedford; Paul, and his wife, Christine, of Westport; Michael, and his wife, Sarah, of Uxbridge; and Kenneth, and his wife, Tricia, of South Boston; 12 grandchildren: Karissa, Jocelyn, Thomas, Zachary, Jacob, Cory, Sydney, Lindsey, Ana, Jack, Kate, and Rachel; two brothers: Jack Oliveira of Fairhaven, and Sil Oliveira of St. Petersburg, FL; and a sister, Alice Botelho of Acushnet. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was the uncle of the late Jimmy Xavier and Matty Oliveira.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett Thursday, December 27th at 8:45 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Tarkiln Hill Rd at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, December 26th from 3-8 PM. In accordance with his wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Matty Oliveira Memorial Fund, 17 Holiday Drive, Fairhaven, MA 02719.