Jose Bernardo Guedes, Jr., 96, of Fernwood Road, Bristol, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, at the Grace Barker Nursing Home. He was the husband of the late Manuela (Avila) Guedes.
Born in Porto, Portugal, he was the son of the late Jose Bernardo Guedes and Zulmiria Teixeira Melo Guedes.
He is survived by his children, Jose Anselmo Guedes and his wife Adelia, Madelena Baptista and her husband Eduardo, Orlando Guedes and his wife Alzira and Ildefonso Guedes and his wife Noemia; grandchildren, Rui Guedes, Ana Guedes, Tanya Guedes, Carol Baptista, Richard Baptista, Crystal Baptista, Edward Baptista, Joseph Guedes, Adam Guedes, Katelyn Guedes and Brittany Guedes; and four great-grandchildren.
Mr. Guedes attended school in Portugal and graduated from College of Music in Porto, Portugal. He worked for Converse and American Tourister before retiring in 1986.
Mr. Guedes was a founder of Amadores Acoreanos and was involved with many musical and theater groups in Faial and here in Bristol. He wrote and performed his own music and was a playwright for local theater. Ranchos de Natal was one of his favorite things to do during the holiday season. He always included his family as well as the members’ families in this enjoyable tradition.
His funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. from the George Lima Funeral Home, 367 High St., with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood St. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours are Friday 5-8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to: St. Elizabeth’s Church 577 Wood St. Bristol, RI 02809