Ralph V. Tavares, Sr.

Ralph Vierra Tavares Sr. of South Dartmouth, MA passed away peacefully in his home on December 8th, 2021, only a few days before his 80th birthday. Born in Waterbury, CT, Ralph was the eldest brother and founder of the legendary singing group Tavares. He was the loving son of the late Feliciano “Flash” and Albina (Gomes) Tavares.

Ralph’s long career centered around serving everyone around him. If there was an arm extended, he would be there to hold it, help, and give back in any way that he could. A graduate of Hope High School, his career of service started years ago when he enlisted in the Army and became a paratrooper in the 103rd Army Airborne Division.

After years of service, Ralph was honorably discharged from the Army and officially launched his music career. With the guidance of their manager, Brian Panella, and their musical director, Quinn Harris, the group Tavares signed with Capitol records. The rest was history. Their music and entertainment gave the whole world numerous hits, and they were recognized with gold and platinum albums and a Grammy Award. Their music hit upon all shores, and was known throughout the globe. The group was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame and the R&B Music Hall of Fame.

Ten years after the formation of the group, Ralph felt the call home to spend more time with the love of his life, Karen, and his children. With the disco era coming to an end, he made the difficult decision to leave the group. Shortly after his decision to leave, he joined the New Bedford Superior Court as a Court Officer in 1984.

While Ralph held a military background, learning the systems of the courts was entirely new. Ralph credited his dear friend and mentor, Chief Peter Cordeiro, for helping him through his initial training and giving him guidance on being the best court officer he could be in service of his state. But knowing the ropes to the system was not always enough; serving as a Black Court Officer came with its own internal and external challenges, prejudices, and bouts with racism. Ralph confided in his other mentor, Judge Richard Chin, who constantly reminded him to keep his focus and hold his head up high in the face of discrimination. Ralph managed to get through his career in the courts with the assurance that they both had his back.

He eventually moved to New Bedford District Court, and finally the Fall River Justice Center where he finished out his career as Chief Court Officer, presiding over the Aaron Hernandez Trial. Because of his resilience, Ralph was a beloved leader to many court officers up until his retirement.

With Ralph’s career in the courts ending in 2017, it presented an opportunity for him to revisit his passion for music. He rejoined his brothers on stage once again and was touring all over the world. With his suit hanging by his staircase, he was preparing for a trip to Pennsylvania when he was taken from this world suddenly.

Ralph was a giver. He shared his music and the sound of a whole generation. He fought for his country as a paratrooper in the 103rd Army Airborne Division. He protected the public as a Massachusetts Chief Court Officer. And most importantly, gave his love as a father, grandfather and husband. Even givers need a break every now and then, and you could find Ralph enjoying time on the golf course playing in dozens of tournaments with hundreds of friends and family. But even there, tee times would be late because Ralph was saying ‘hi’ to everyone at the course, from adoring fans, to caddies, to employees and restaurant servers. There were no strangers to Ralph, and all were a part of his family.

Ralph was also a man of faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption Church in New Bedford and then Saint Mary’s Church in Dartmouth for decades. He attended services weekly, and kept everyone in his prayers always. Being a good Catholic is not just about attending services, but it also about giving service. And Ralph gave his service, time, love, and charity to so many people in the local community and around the world. Ralph was honored at this year’s Red Mass, which is celebrated each year in the Fall River Diocese to invoke God’s guidance and strength on those who work to promote justice in the legal system. He was a servant of God, and God has finally called for him to rest. He has given so much of himself. And while we will miss him terribly, no one could argue that anyone deserved a rest more than this great man.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen, his children, Michael, Dionne, Amber, and Ralph Jr., his brothers, Antone ‘Chubby” Tavares, Arthur “Pooch” Tavares, Feliciano “Butch” Tavares, Perry “Tiny” Tavares, John “Funna” Tavares, and Victor Tavares, his sisters Jenny “Wowa” Baptiste, and Deolina “Pitch” Borges and predeceased sister Eva Timms. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ralph also leaves hundreds of friends, fellow court officers, and adoring fans.

While Ralph lived in Dartmouth, MA for decades, he also called Fox Point on the East Side of Providence his home. In particular, he always shared stories about the Fox Point Boys and Girls Club where he swam, played sports with his friends, and which provided him safety and refuge from the dangers happening in the neighborhood. He owes so much of his salvation to the club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, where the Ralph V Tavares Scholarship will be created in his name: Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence, Ralph V Tavares Scholarship Fund, 550 Wickenden Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 US.

Masks are required when attending Ralph’s funeral mass.

Ralph’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 10:30AM in St. Mary’s Church, 795 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA 02748. Relatives and Friends are invited. Burial will be Private. Arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN Home AT Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com