Bruce J. Oliveira

Bruce J. Oliveira, 72, of New Bedford passed away unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital on Friday November 14, 2025.

Bruce was a civil servant in every sense of the word, whose tireless work threaded through almost every aspect of the fabric of New Bedford. He was a Renaissance man of sorts, whose resume was immense. When Bruce committed to a project or cause, he fully committed. He was a man of his word, ethical, fastidious to a fault, and never accepted excuses. He did what was right and stayed for the long haul, for all the right reasons. He had devotion, passion and held only the best intentions. His long record of achievement was not achieved without putting family first. He never sacrificed family.

Bruce was the eldest child of Eileen (Doyle) and Joseph S. Oliveira Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Pamela (Areia), his daughter Karen Glover, and his son Kevin Oliveira, both of New Bedford, and his beloved grandson, Liam Glover. He leaves behind his siblings, Susan Carreira of New Hampshire, June Leite of Dartmouth, Gail Furtado of New Bedford, and Philip Oliveira of Lakeville. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews and godchildren.

As a child, Bruce lived in the Brickenwood Housing Project. It provided stability for their large family. Years later, Bruce was appointed to the Housing Authority as a Commissioner providing stable homes for other New Bedford families, seniors and veterans. He stands as one of the longest serving commissioners over 30 years. Bruce always preached, "Never be ashamed of where you came from." He rose from it and shared those experiences with others.

Bruce was a product of New Bedford public schools and proud Whaler Class of 1971. As a child, he was fortunate to be a part of a new accelerated learning program, and was sent to schools outside his district. It impacted him in many ways. He became a lifelong learner. He completed his education as an adult earning his Bachelor's Degree in Business at UMass Dartmouth, attending classes nights for seven years, as a working parent. After retirement, he opted to run for a position on the School Committee to help the city's school children attend modern, safe facilities- a role he cherished until the day he died. A Master electrician, Bruce was a past Business Agent and Benefits Administrator for IBEW Locals 223 and 224. He owned his own tax and accounting business for many years. His acuity with numbers, combined with his construction background, provided a perspective not seen by many school committee members. His favorite part of his role was the overhauling maintenance of existing buildings and the tedious details needed to build new school buildings in his fair city.

As a child, Bruce played little league baseball. At the ripe old age of 19, he became a coach for the very same team coaching his little brother Phil. He coached both of his children in their baseball/softball careers, while attending night school, and continued to coach for 32 years. His reach influenced hundreds of children, where his patience and guidance shined through. He especially loved it when he encountered one of his players throughout the years. He would always be "Coach."

Bruce was a member and Past President of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for over 40 years. Alongside his many friends, they have been providing help to the less fortunate in New Bedford. With his best buddy, Fred Toomey, Bruce embarked on the monumental task of saving the Seamen's Bethel and Mariners Home in New Bedford from destruction. Two guys, not from fishing families, combined their construction knowledge to renovate the two buildings, according to historical preservation standards. From fundraising, to combining the buildings to accommodate handicapped visitors, their five year mission stands at the summit of Johnny Cake Hill as a shining beacon to perseverance. It is their crowning glory.

Bruce was a longtime member of Country Club of New Bedford. At 12 years old, he rode his bike up Hathaway Road to caddy at the club. Rubbing elbows with doctors, lawyers, judges, and celebrities alike, Bruce never imagined a kid from the projects would ever be able to join the club. He enjoyed many years of camaraderie and championship golf with many friends, his brother Phil and his son Kevin, even attending the Masters in 2010.

Bruce was a member of the Southeastern Mass. Labor Council for many years, until his illness. He was the Treasurer of the Greater New Bedford Regional Voc-Tech School district for many years. He was a recent member of the 13 Stripers Club.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday November 21st at 9 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Everyone is invited to meet directly at Church. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Visiting hours will be on Thursday November 20th from 3-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. At the family's request, please do not send flowers. A scholarship will be established in Bruce's name. Please send donations in care of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, P.O. Box 4021, New Bedford MA 02741.