Joseph W. DePina, 84, of New Bedford died November 3, 2010 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness.
Born in Marion, the son of the late Moses and Marion (Monteiro) DePina, he has lived in New Bedford for many 52 years.
He was formerly employed as a welder at the Hingham Shipyard before entering the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign ribbon, the American Theater Campaign ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign ribbon and the World War II Victory medal. Mr. DePina later worked for the U.S. Coast Guard. He was also a glass cutter, and night watchman for the New Bedford School Department before retiring as head custodian at Carney Academy.
He was a member of American Legion Post 1. Mr. DePina enjoyed helping others. He was loved by many, grandfather to some and Dad to all.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Jo Ann DePina Roberts of Los Angeles, CA and Joyce Marie DePina of New Bedford; a step-son, Joseph Gomes of New Bedford; 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Mary DePina, Laura Pina, John DePina, Evelyn Andrews, Caroline Monteiro, Jennie Gomes and Tony DePina, and the step-father of the late Judy Gale Gomes.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 6th at 9 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. Burial will follow in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI. Visiting hours Friday, November 5th from 4-8 PM.