Ira S. "Sonny" Joseph, III, 74, of Fairhaven died December 31, 2003 at St. Luke's Hospital unexpectedly.
He was the husband of the late Aida (Pimental) Joseph and son of the late Ira S. Joseph, Jr. and Aletha (Drayton) Joseph.
Mr. Joseph was born in New Bedford and lived in New Bedford "Tuxedo" most of his life before moving to Fairhaven 30 years ago.
He was formerly employed as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in New Bedford for many years until his retirement. He was well respected by his co-workers and his clients.
Mr. Joseph enjoyed jazz music and gardening.
He served in the US Army during World War II.
Survivors include a daughter, Linda Witherspoon of New Bedford; 2 sons, Bruce Joseph of Ft. Washington, MD and Ira Joseph, IV of New Bedford; 2 brothers, Charles H. Joseph of California and Harrison W. Joseph of New Bedford; 3 sisters, Cleone Mendez-Greene and Phyllis Bulgar, both of New Bedford and Alice Smith of Wakefield, RI; 6 grandchildren, Octavia Jones, Kahlil Bell, Cory Joseph, Ira Joseph, V, Jaylene Dias and Alicia Joseph; a great-grandchild, Aaliyana Mendes; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral service in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordSaturday, January 3rd at 9:30 AM.
Visiting hours Friday, January 2nd from 6-8 PM.
Interment Rural Cemetery.