Kenneth M. Tavares

Kenneth M. Tavares, 74, of Fall River, MA passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2023 after a battle with dementia.

He was born in Fall River on July 2, 1949 to Antone and Zelma Martin Tavares. He graduated from Diman Vocational High School and immediately enlisted in the Air Force. He was in the Air Force from 1967-1971 and did a tour in Vietnam. After returning home from the war, he began working for the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC), now known as the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Newport where he retired in 2004. He then opened his own gun shop, Tavares Rod and Gun. He was a lifetime member and past President of the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club. He had his black belt in karate, he obtained his Captain’s license, he enjoyed archery, hunting, boating, scuba diving, attending car shows with his 1969 Camaro’s, riding his Harley, but most of all spending time with family and friends. He loved to travel with his wife Patti. There wasn’t much the two of them did not enjoy doing together. They enjoyed many scuba diving trips to Belize, Bonaire, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Hawaii, St. Lucia, and Turks and Caicos where they were married in 2002. They had many memorable motorcycle adventures with friends and family to Lake George, NY; Blue Ridge Parkway; and Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Nova, Scotia; and many other local adventures. They had many boating adventures on their boat Nauti by Nature.

Ken was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. All who knew him knew that he was a prankster. He was generous and loyal, clever and full to the brim with knowledge that he gained through all his life experiences.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Patti; his son Kenneth M. Tavares, Jr of South Carolina; his son Daniel Nash of Michigan, granddaughter, Delilah Nash; his loving dog Boomer and his parrots Baby, Tiger, Gizmo and Toni who will miss him dearly. He also leaves behind many dear, close friends and family. He was predeceased by his father Antone Tavares and mother Zelma Martin Tavares.

His funeral will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 9:00 AM from the Oliveira Funeral Home – South Main St. Chapel, 2064 South Main St. Fall River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Good Shepherd Parish, South Main St., Fall River. A visitation will be held Friday evening from 5 – 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Savealab Rhode Island where he rescued his beloved Boomer or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family wishes to thank the SouthCoast VNA/Hospice care team for their dedication and support during this difficult time, his loving health aid and “best bud” Megan Pomprowicz.