Richard J. Moniz, 81, of Rochester died February 16, 2023 peacefully at home.
He was the husband of Dr. Deborah A. Hartley, and the son of the late Francisco and Rosemary (Bento) Moniz. Richard was born and remained in New Bedford before moving to Rochester 35 years ago.
He was formerly employed as a police officer with the New Bedford Police Department for 28 years before retiring as detective. Prior to that, he was a machinist and served 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, working in his vegetable garden, listening to music, and the company of his dogs.
He had a sense for adventure, riding his motorcycle, traveling, boating, and spending time in Florida with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife; his son, Richard J. Moniz, Jr. and his companion Lynn Cousins of Dartmouth; his daughter, Deborah Morrison of Acushnet; his former wife, Lorraine (Ferro) Moniz of Rochester; 5 grandchildren, Luke Morrison, Ava Morrison, Jamie Moniz, Richard Moniz-Faria and William Brightman; a great-granddaughter, Josephine Walker; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the father-in-law of the late James Morrison and the brother of the late Frank Moniz and Manuel Moniz.
His visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 24th from 4-8 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
