Joseph J. Medeiros

Fairhaven – Joseph J. Medeiros, age 81, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Charlton Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was the loving husband and best friend of Susan Medeiros.

Joseph was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Joseph and Belmira (Cordeiro) Medeiros. He worked at Warrner Brothers Construction and Local 4 as a heavy machine operator, Joe was a graduate of Fairhaven High School class of 58 and later entered school in Groton, CT where he was training to be an electrician. His first duty station was in Bath, Maine. He was then was assigned to the USCGC Escanaber out of New Bedford before boarding the USCGC Eastwind. On board the Eastwind, an icebreaker class ship, Joe sailed from Cape Cod to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. From there the ship, set sail for Panama, where he traveled through the Panama Canal to Peru. While docked in Peru, Joe was the bosuns-mate where he piped a 2-star Admiral from the Peruvian Navy aboard ship. He took great pride in this honor. From Peru the Eastwind set a course for Antartica where they provided supplies and transports for personnel returning to America and beyond. Next port of entry was Christchurch, New Zealand and then Tasmania, Australia. The Eastwind was then bound for the Suez Canal, before being diverted to Greenland. From there they returned to Cape Cod after 18 months of sea travel. Joe was proud of his service and of being a “Coastie” and loved to talk about his adventures. He was always excited to attend his Coast Guard reunions and reminisce with former shipmates.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Susan F. Medeiros. His children, daughter, Tracey Medeiros and her husband, Horacio Rodrigues of Virginia, his son, Joseph S Medeiros and significant other, Barbara Webster of Fairhaven, his youngest son, David J. Medeiros and his wife, Melaine of Cape Cod, and stepson, Joseph Rogers and his wife, Maryanne Beaulieu of Fall River. Joe is also survived by his three grandchildren, Nicholas J. Medeiros and his wife, Kaitlyn of New Bedford, Kelsey Q. Medeiros of Fairhaven, and Danielle F. Medeiros of Cape Cod. Joe was also blessed to have two great-grandsons, James J. Medeiros and Luke D. Medeiros of New Bedford. Joe is survived by two sisters, Lillian Smith and Eleanor Alferes and brother, John J. Medeiros and his wife, Sally, and many nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Belmira, and brothers Edward J. Medeiros and Donald Medeiros.

Joseph’s visiting hours and service with cremains present will be held at Perry Funeral Home on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

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.