William E. Travers

William E. Travers, 80 of New Bedford, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at home with his family by his side after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Diane H. (Lebeau) Travers to whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, a son of the late William and Mary (Souza) Travers, William was a lifelong resident of New Bedford. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1959 and attended UMASS Dartmouth. William was a dedicated New Bedford Firefighter for 29 years retiring in 1995 out of Station 9. He and Diane were also the owners of 1794 House of Antiques for more than 40 years.

William loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild; he loved to dance, was a coach throughout the many baseball leagues and enjoyed the many family trips to Disney.

In addition to his loving wife Diane, he is survived by his children, Karen A. Costello and her husband Jeffrey of New Bedford, Lisa A. Beaulieu and her husband Steven of Marion and Mark W. Travers and his companion Lina Felix of Acushnet; six grandchildren, Jacob and his wife Chelsea, Jackson, Noah, Maxwell, Riley and Coral; a great- grandchild, Tatum; two sisters, Margaret Tavares of New Bedford and Madeline Hovland and her husband John of CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Cosme Tavares.

Contributions in Williams honor may be made to the Eric Fernandes Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund, www.ericfernandesscholarship.org

Williams’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 9:00AM in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in St. Mary’s Church, Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00PM. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com