Jose M. Kercado, 73, of New Bedford died Thursday January 24, 2002 at home after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of Cecilia (Soto) Kercado.
Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, the son of the late Delfin Kercado and Juana Rosario, he worked as a mason in Puerto Rico and later immigrated to the United States to obtain a better future for his six children.
He first took a job as a dishwasher in order to bring his family to this country. He later worked as a taxi driver and tractor trailer driver in New York.
Mr. Kercado was a jack-of-all trades whose favorite pasttime was playing dominos. After being diagnosed with cancer, he urged all he met to quit smoking. He had high hopes in battling his cancer, trying any treatment which was available, although it was a downhill battle for the past two years.
Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Carmelo Kercado of New Bedford and Danny Kercado of Attleboro; 2 daughters, Gladys Mejias and Juanita Kercado, both of New Bedford; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.He was the father of the late Jose Kercado and Rafael Kercado.His Funeral Service will be held on Monday January 28, 2002 at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday January 27, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9.