John V. Viveiros Sr.

John V. Viveiros, Sr., 88, of Fall River, died Monday at St. Anne’s Hospital. He was the husband of Emily (Costa) Viveiros.

Born in Fall River, MA, he was a son of the late John Viveiros Voltas and Mary Teresa (Barreira) Voltas; he was a lifelong resident of this city.

A U.S. Navy disabled veteran of WW II, Mr. Viveiros served with the 1st Marine Division and was awarded the Navy Cross for his outstanding bravery in rescuing nine men under fire at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. He suffered wounds from that engagement and received the Purple Heart.

Mr. Viveiros retired from the Massachusetts Public Works Department in 1985 after working 25 years as a heavy equipment operator. He previously worked at the former Maplewood Yarn and Pilgrim Latex Co.

He was a member of the Golden Oldies Senior Center, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Woodrow L. Silvia Post 5392 in Tiverton, the Disabled American Veterans, William S. Green Chapter 9 and the American Legion Post 464. He also was a member of St. John’s Athletic Club and St. John’s Fishing Club. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and New England Patriots.

He was a member of St. Peter & Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church.

Besides his wife of 63 years, he is survived by two sons, John V. Viveiros, Jr. and his wife Linda of Westport, MA and Richard J. Viveiros and his wife Stephanie Lee of Fall River; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Francis Voltas, Mary Faria and Inez St. John.

His funeral will be held Friday at 8 a.m. from the Oliveira Funeral Home, 215 Columbia St., followed by a Funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Peter and Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church. Interment with military honors in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours Thursday 4 – 8 p.m.