Manuel Avila

Manuel S. Avila 91 formerly of South Dartmouth passed away Tuesday December 13, 2011 at Our Lady’s Haven. He was the husband of Mary (Botelho) Avila and son of the late John and Clara (Sylvia) Avila. He was born in New Bedford and had lived in South Dartmouth for many years. He was a commercial fisherman and had owned the boat Idelwild II. He was also Captain for several other boats. He was also employed as a security guard at St. Luke’s hospital and as a chauffeur for Mrs. Seabury Stanton. He was a member of the Panthers Golden Agers and the American – Portuguese War Veterans. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II. Survivors include his wife, his sons Captain Rodney M. Avila and Pastor Lawrence J. Avila both of New Bedford; his brother Gilbert S. Avila of Dartmouth; his sisters Tina Teixeira of Dartmouth, Lena Almy of Fairhaven; 7 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Saturday 9-9:30am followed by his funeral service. Burial will be in St. John’s cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to Our Lady’s Haven 71 Center St. Fairhaven, MA 02719.