Gilbert R. Pavao, 77, of New Bedford died Friday December 12, 2003 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Alice P. (Pires) Pavao.

A lifelong resident of New Bedford, he was the son of the late Adelaide E. (Pereira) and Jose Rego Pavao. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Mr. Pavao was formerly employed as a winch repairman at Hathaway Machinery in Fairhaven for 20 years.

He served in the U.S. Army with the 87th Division of the 347th Infantry during World War II, participating in the battles and campaigns of Central Europe and the Rhineland. He was a recipient of the American Campaign medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal and the World War II Victory medal.

He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 59.

Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Gary Pavao, and his wife Susan, of Lakeville, and Elliot Pavao, and his wife Mary, of Lawrenceville, GA; a brother, Joseph R. Pavao of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Adelaide DeCruz, Lillian Pavao Martin, Isabella Pavao, Manuel R. Pavao, Betty M. Gracia and Zulmira "Pat" Souza, and nephew of the late Deolinda Paiva.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordWednesday December 17, 2003 at 9:30 AM.Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:30 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday evening December 16, 2003 from 7-9 PM. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the International Joseph Diseases Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 994268, Redding, CA 96099.