John D. Mateus

New Bedford – John D. Mateus, age 68, of South Dartmouth, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Judith N. (Gonsalves) Mateus to whom he had been married to for 41 years.

John was born in Mosteiros, St. Michael, Azores to the late João Mateus Camara and Maria da Conceição d’Arruda (Simoés) Camara and moved to this country when he was nine years old. He served in the United States Army in the early 70’s. John had been a Correctional Officer for the Old Colony Correctional Facility in Bridgewater and also retired three years ago from the M.C.I. Plymouth Correctional Facility.

He loved to garden, especially his grape vines and tomato and pepper plants; he also loved oldies music from the 50’s and 60’s. John enjoyed dining out at different restaurants and watching his Westerns. Another favorite hobby of his was taking care of his birds, fish, and rabbits. His greatest love of all was his family, in particular, his beloved grandson, Jackson, who was his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife, Judith; children, Judith Christie Mateus of North Dartmouth and John Derek Mateus and his wife Jessica Sheppard Mateus of Reston, Virginia; one grandson, Jackson Sheppard Mateus; siblings, Ted Mateus of Woburn, Dorvalino Mateus of Fall River, Hilda Batista of Fall River; brother-in-law, Daniel Gonsalves of New Bedford; as well as nine nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was also the grandfather of the late Mabel Ivey Mateus.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to AutismSpeaks.org or The American Heart Association.

John’s visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, March 11th from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Home. His funeral will be Thursday morning, beginning in the funeral home at 9:30 A.M. and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:30 A.M. Burial will immediately follow in South Dartmouth Cemetery.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.