Rev. Horace J. Travassos

Reverend Horace J. Travassos, age 83, of Fall River, Massachusetts, passed away on June 21, 2026. A lifelong resident of the area and a dedicated servant of the Catholic Church, he touched countless lives through his extensive ministry and warm personal spirit.

    Born on January 2, 1943, in Fall River, he was the son of the late Horace J. Travassos and Veronica Carey.

    A graduate of Coyle Cassidy High School, Horace went on to earn a Masters from Providence College and later attended St John’s Seminary before being ordained.

    Father Travassos’s long and faithful vocation in the Diocese of Fall River spanned over four decades. His pastoral journey began in June 1973 as a Curate at St. James in New Bedford. He later served as the Assistant Chancellor for the Diocese of Fall River from 1976 to 1983. He went on to become the Rector at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, where he faithfully served for nine years from 1988 to 1997. His ministry continued as Pastor of Our Lady of Grace in Westport until his retirement in June 2014. Throughout his career, he also held numerous other key diocesan positions, serving as Director of the Office of Family Ministry, Advocate for the Diocesan Tribunal, and Co-Chairman of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission.

    Beyond the pulpit, Father Travassos was a man of cultured tastes and varied hobbies. He had a profound love for classical music; notably, before his ordination, he joyfully provided the music for his sister's wedding. He could be described as a "foodie" who loved dining out, fondly remembering trips up to Anthony’s Pier 4 in Boston and The Old Canteen on Federal Hill, often accompanied by his mother and his friend, Robert.

    At home, he cultivated a green thumb, spending quiet time working with his flowers, and enjoyed photography.

    He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Fitzgerald and her husband Kenneth, his longtime neighbor and friend, Robert Pacheco, along with several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Waterhouse.

    A vigil service will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Oliveira Funeral Home,South Main St. Chapel, 2064 South Main St., Fall River, MA 02724,

    His Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, at 10 AM at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Second St., Fall River. Interment in Saint Patrick Cemetery will be private.