Michael Travers

Michael Travers, 77, of Dartmouth passed away Wednesday October 2, 2024 after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Barbara J. (England) Travers.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Gilbert and Lillian (Lopes) Travers, he lived in Dartmouth for most of his life. He was a graduate of Dartmouth High School, Class of 1965.
Mike was formerly employed by the Head Start Program in New Bedford, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Wareham Economic Development where he worked with his long-time friend, James Sullivan, writing grants and locating property for Factory Five Racing.
Active in his community, he was a former member of Lions Club and the Director of the New Bedford Seafood Festival in late 1980's and early 1990's. He had been an umpire and volunteer with Dartmouth Youth Athletic Association, where he loved working in the concession stand with his wife and the other baseball moms and dads. He had also been a soccer coach with Dartmouth Youth Soccer League. He later assisted with preparation and development of the new playground for daycare students at YMCA in Stoughton.
A talented musician, Mike was a trumpet player for the "Downliner Show Band," which toured Southeastern Mass and Rhode Island. He had the privilege of playing trumpet in the opening band for James Brown at the Boston Garden in 1968. While growing up, Mike shared his parents' living room with the likes of Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Freda Payne, and Louis Armstrong. His father was involved with booking musical events for the City of New Bedford.
During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Navy.
He was extremely proud of his Portuguese/Azorean heritage. He had been involved in the Kennedy Chappaquiddick court case, driving District Attorney Edmund Dinis from New Bedford to the Kennedy Compound where he became acquainted with many of the interested parties.
Mike always had a joke or two at the ready, and he could light up a room with his wit, charisma, and charm.
He is survived by his sons, Benjamin M. Travers and his wife Nancy Lynn of Stoughton and Jonathan G. Travers and his wife Barbara Jean of Attleboro; his significant other, Dianne Finger of Dartmouth; and four grandchildren, Benjamin Travers, Jr., Carly Travers, Cameron Nuttal, and Nathan Travers.
He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Travers.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday October 11th at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. His family will receive visitors at the Church beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.