Earl Joseph Gifford 85 of New Bedford passed away peacefully at home with his family, on Sunday December 25, 2016. He was husband to Florence (Camara) Gifford for 59 years. He was a lifelong resident of New Bedford. Earl was employed as a driver/salesman in the bread industry until his retirement. He was a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War. Earl was a volunteer at the Zieterion and at PPAC. Survivors include his wife, his daughter Patricia Anne Gifford, his grandson Ryson Gifford Smith both of Marion, his sisters-in-law Beatrice (Camara) Reynolds and her husband Paul of Groton, CT and Maureen Camara of Westport. Also several nieces and nephews. He was the brother-in-law of the late Manuel Camara Jr. At his request he was cremated. There will be a visitation on Tuesday starting at 10am until 11:30, when a funeral service will be held.Inurnment will be in the Veterans National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
