Francisco Joaquim Vieira

New Bedford-Francisco Joaquim Vieira, 76, of New Bedford, died Friday December 26, 2003, at St. Luke’s Hospital, of complications from his longstanding quadriplegia. He was the Husband of Mary Celeste (Rebello) Vieira.

He was born in Pardellhas, Murtosa, Portugal, the son of the late Antonio Augusto and Maria Soledade (da Silva) Vieira, he worked in his youth fishing on the rivers of Murtosa and Aveiro until the age of 17 years, when he immigrated to the U.S.A. In Gloucester, MA., he worked as an expert spotter for swordfishing boats, on one trip spotting 76 swordfish.

Shortly after his arrival in the States, Mr. Vieira was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served until his honorable discharge in February 1944.

Mr. Vieira returned to fishing in Gloucester until he met and later married his wife in Stonington, CT. in 1953. He skippered the Mary A, the Lisboa, and the New England for his father-in-law Alfredo G. Rebello.

In 1958 he moved his family to New Bedford, where he joined the fishing fleet. He owned and skippered the trawler New England until the accident which forced his retirement in 1975.

Mr. Vieira was known as a competitive fisherman with extensive knowledge of the sea and of area fishing grounds. He loved to be on the water, whether he was manning the helm of the New England or the tiller of his beetle cat, the Bela Vida. He was a founding member of the Low Tide Yacht Club.

A devoted husband and father, Mr. Vieira spent all his spare time at home, enjoying activities with his children. He instilled in them the highest standards of personal conduct, excellence and service. He was a longstanding member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Mr. Vieira was a life member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his widow; by three sons: Francisco J. Vieira Jr. and his wife Fhelica Nafe of South San Francisco, CA., Paul E. Vieira and his companion Laurie Bettencourt of New Bedford and Alfred A. (Bud) and his wife Claudia L. Vieira of Oakland, CA. and a daughter Regina Vieira Mingola and her husband Barry C. Mingola of New Bedford. He is also survived by grandchildren Kristen McManus of Daytona FL. Jonathan and Daniel Vieira of Carver, MA. Gabriel Joaquim, and Raphael Francisco Vieira of Oakland, CA. Benjamin Francisco Vieira of West Wareham, MA., and Christian and Carolyn Mingola of New Bedford. He also leaves his first mate and faithful friend Domingos and his wife Celeste Aresta; several dearly loved nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

Mr. Vieira was the brother of the late Ana Maria daSilva Amador, Henrique Vieira, Antonio Vieira, and Manuel Vieira, and Maria do Carmo daCosta.

The funeral will be Monday December 29, 2003 from the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. at 8 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Rivet St. New Bedford, MA. Visiting hours will be Sunday December 28, 2003 from 2-5 pm at Perry Funeral Home.