Richard Peter Santos, Sr.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Daniel and Virginia Santos, he lived in New Bedford settling in Fairhaven in 1962 where he lived for the remainder of his life. Mr. Santos was formerly employed at Acushnet Company for many years before changing professions to drive motor coaches for local transit companies for the latter years of his employment.

In the early 50s’ Richard joined the U.S. Air Force serving in Okinawa during the post Korean War period. He later finished his tour at Lincoln Air Force Base in Nebraska, the former premier bomber base for the Strategic Air Command. Upon completing his four-year tour, he remained in Nebraska for two years before returning to his hometown, New Bedford in 1958. Shortly upon his return he met the love of his life Annette. They married in 1959.

Richard enjoyed dancing at Lincoln Park where he and Annette learned to ballroom dance. Later he and Annette learned to square, country and line dance. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Fairhaven. Richard also was a member of the Knights of Columbus He served many years as donations collector for the parish.

After his retirement Richard loved to perform detail work on cars. His work was highly regarded by his customers and his clients grew increasingly larger. As word of mouth endorsements increased his workload overflowed. In his free time Richard loved to watch his old ‘cowboy’ movies from his youth on TV.

Survivors include his wife Annette, son, David Santos and his companion Sonia Nolte of Phoenix, AZ, his brother Lawrence Santos and his companion Jeanette Landry, his grandson Garrick of Myrtle Beach, SC; and his three granddaughters, Molly Tobia, Katie Rosario and Cassie Arruda. He was predeceased by his son Richard Jr. and his sister Lydia Mello.

Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, Richard’s services will at a later date. To leave a note of condolence and further updates: www.rock-funeralhome.com