Leonel Pires, Jr., 87, of Mattapoisett, passed away Friday, December 14, 2012, peacefully after a brief illness. He was the former husband of the late Eleanor (Leach) Pires.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Leonel and Maria Gloria (Linhares) Pires, he settled in Mattapoisett 46 years ago. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School and a communicant of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford.
Leo was the owner operator of Leo’s Riding School. He loved horses and all animals. Prior to running the riding school he had worked as the office manager for Linhares Construction Company. Leo also enjoyed fishing and guns, Country Music, watching Jeopardy, word games and puzzles.
He is survived by his two loving daughters, Kimberly Pires of Fairhaven and Jaydean Borges of New Bedford; two sisters, Laurinda Jauhola of California and Lilia P. Campos of New Bedford; a brother, Anibal Pires of New Hampshire; two grandsons, David E. Cope and Cody J. Nolan; a great granddaughter, Aubrey Cope and many nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes he will be cremated and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 29, 2012, at 9:00 AM, in Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, in New Bedford. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MSPCA Memorial/Tribute at ksantry@mspca.org.