Jose M. Avelar, 72, died Wednesday, January 12, at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston after being stricken ill at his home. He was the husband of Maria C. (Avila) Avelar. Born and raised in Flores, Azores, Portugal, he came to the United States in 1967 and settled in Stoughton. He was a resident of Stoughton for over 30 years before moving to Brockton over 10 years ago. Mr. Avelar worked as a welder for General Dynamics in Quincy for over 10 years and then for Via Systems in Milford for 4 years. He retired in 2002. Mr. Avelar was an accomplished musician and enjoyed playing Portuguese music on the guitar and violin. He also enjoyed playing cards. He was a member of Club Luis de Camoes, the Portuguese National Club, San Joao Filharmonic Society and the Holy Ghost Society.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Connie A. Raposo and her husband Eddie of Brockton. He was the brother of Francisco Avila and Mary Jo Soares both of Stoughton and Guida Sousa of Portugal. He was the grandfather of Dylan Raposo and Niklas Raposo.
Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Route 27) Stoughton on Tuesday, January 18, at 9:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Stoughton at 10:30 AM. Visiting Hours Monday 5-8 PM. Donations in Jose’s memory may be made to the American Heart Assn, 20 Speen St., Framingham, 01701 or to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Pl, Boston, 02115.