Richard W. Nerbonne, 78, of Fairhaven died Thursday April 15, 2010 unexpectedly at home.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Oderic E. and Anne (Paull) Nerbonne, he lived in Fairhaven for most of his life.
Mr. Nerbonne was formerly employed as the chairman of the business department at New Bedford High School until his retirement.
He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven.
Mr. Nerbonne was a member of the Dr. C. E. Burt Chapter 7 Disabled American Veterans, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, and the Fairhaven Improvement Association. He was the secretary of the Bristol County Retired Teachers Association. He received his Bachelor's degree from Boston College and his Master's degree from Bryant College.
During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army in the 31st Infantry Regiment Medical Company. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He was an avid gardener and cook, who enjoyed entertaining his family and friends.
Survivors include two children, Anne M. Arruda and her husband David, and Paul W. Nerbonne, all of New Bedford; a brother, Raymond Nerbonne of New Bedford; four grandchildren, Gabriel and Courtney Nerbonne and Abigail and David M. Arruda Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Paul and Roland Nerbonne.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven. Burial with military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.