Frank Avilla, Jr., age 79 of Dartmouth, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer at St. Anne’s Hospital, Fall River, surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Frank Avilla, Sr. and Irene (Cruz) Avilla.
Frank leaves behind his loving wife Irene (Julian) Avilla, with whom he shared 38 years together and 28 years of marriage; his children, Frank Avilla III and his wife Grace of Westport, Lisa Avilla-Morgado and her husband Troy of Dartmouth, Christine Avilla of Westport. His 3 step sons, Richard Butler of Dartmouth, Kevin Butler and his wife Melissa, and John P. Butler of Dartmouth. His 15 grandchildren; Ryan, Lauren, Jacob, Nate, Farrah, Jaiden, Caleb, Phoebe, Danny, Nolan, Aubrey, Garrett, Reese, Amanda, and Tyler. His great-grandchildren; Landen, Kennedy, Connor and another on the way, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Beverly Rebello and the late Clara Vital, his brother-in-law Tom Vital, and the late Alfred Rebello.
Frank started fishing at 9 years old on his father’s boat, F/V Barracuda. At 15 he quit school and fished with his Dad, during which time he got his commercial pilot’s license to spot fish. He proudly served in the United Coastguard and later built his boat and became Owner and Captain for 45 years of the F/V Playtime. Towards the later part of his fishing career, he started up his hydraulic business, Flapper Inc. for the last 35 years. In 2022 he received his commercial Drone license.
Spending time with his family was very important, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved and adored his African Gray Parrot “Papaguay”, cooking, and traveling to Aruba with his wife. Frank was the heart of all special occasions and holidays, and will be deeply missed.
Per his wishes, his funeral services will be Private through the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME AT DARTMOUTH, www.waring-sullivan.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital www.stjude.org or the Make-A-Wish Foundation www.massri.wish.org
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