Antonio A. Pereira, 78, of New Bedford died Saturday February 23, 2002 at the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Audrey Rose (Faye) Pereira, and son of the late Joseph A. and Marie J. (Mendes) Pereira.

Mr. Pereira was born in New Bedford and had lived in New Bedford for all of his life.

Mr. Pereira was formerly employed as a quality control supervisor at Ocean Spray Cranberry Corporation until his retirement.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps Flying Tigers 14th Air Force, and was stationed in India, Africa, and China. He was a lifetime member of the Flying Tigers 14th Air Force Association. He was an avid fisherman.

Survivors include a son, Mark A. Pereira of New Bedford; 3 daughters, Linda Mitchell of South Dartmouth, Carol Luiz and Kathy Dehner, both of New Bedford; a brother, Sylvester "Pat" Pereira of Hopedale; a sister, Marie Vieira of New Bedford; 10 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday February 26, 2002 at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial with full military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Monday evening 6-9 PM. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.