Edward Medeiros

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Edward Medeiros, 87 of Fall River, Massachusetts entered into rest on March 4, at the Sarah Brayton Nursing Home after an illness he courageously fought for several years. He was the loving and devoted husband of Jeannette (Simonin) Medeiros for over 66 years. He was the son of the late Anna (Cabral) and Francesco Medeiros. He was born on January 4, 1922 in Fall River and lived in the flint section for most of his life. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He was a proud parishioner of Notre Dame Church since his marriage in 1942. From 1942 through 1945, Mr. Medeiros served in the United States Army achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was stationed at Fort Dix, N.J. and Camp Pendleton, CA before being shipped overseas to England. He was a member of the 105th Infantry Division. He participated in the Invasion of Normandy landing on Omara Beach on December 6, 1944. He was 22 years old. After surviving the landing he volunteered to drive a loaded ammunition truck to re-supply the troops who also made it ashore. There he encountered the enemy for the first time. He fought in many other battles including the Battles of Rhineland and Ardennes which took him through Belgium and France. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge making his way to Germany over Christmas, 1944. He became a Tank Retriever and he was al so an Expert Rifle Marksman. At the end of the war he was a guard at a prisoner of war camp. He also went into the concentration camps helping to liberate the victims of the war. He was wounded twice for which he received a Purple Heart. He received 5 Major Battle Stars, the Victorious Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the European Theater Campaign Ribbon and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Defense Service Medal and the Expert Marksman Badge. He also received the D-Day Citation. He was honorably discharged in December, 1945. In May, 2004 while attending the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with his family, he was personally thanked for defending his country by former President William J. Clinton. The time he spent in conversation with the former president was a highlight of his life that he spoke fondly of since. A memorial brick is dedicated to him at the war memorial in Heritage State Park, Fall River.
After returning from the war he did road construction with several local companies. In the 50's he began working in the garment industry as a dress cutter. He retired in 1986. He was a member of the ILGWU. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts. He was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Cooties and a former Secretary and lifetime member of the PVT Joseph Francis Post #486 of the VFW. He enjoyed carpentry, bowling, golfing and traveling. In later years he was an avid bingo player. The mark of who he was as a man was always shown in his everyday humbleness, optimism, courage, honesty and integrity as well as his love of God and Church, country and family. He was a hero and a true patriot. No one could of asked for a better father. Besides his wife he is survived by his daughter, Brenda Ann and her husband Michael Potvin of Assonet, MA. He has a grandson, Paul Potvin also of Assonet, MA. He was the father of the late Jo-Ann Machado and her husband, James of Fall River, MA. He is also survived by 5 generations of nieces and nephews. He was the younger brother of the late Mary Gouvia, Alexandria Freitas, Georgiana Amaral, Evangelina Branco and Deolinda Souza.
His funeral will be celebrated with full military honors. His funeral will be held Saturday at 9:00 AM from the AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME 690 So. Main St., Fall River, with a funeral mass in Notre Dame Church at 10:00 AM. Burial, Notre Dame Cemetery.
Visitation, Friday 5:00 to 8:00 PM. LARGE PARKING AREA and BARRIER-FREE ENTRANCE at rear of the funeral home. Online guestbook at AuclairFuneralHome.Com