Artur M. Abelha, 82, of Fall River, husband of Natalia (Brum) Abelha, passed away peacefully on Monday after an extended illness. Born in Rabo de Peixe, St. Michael, Azores, he was a son of the late Mariano R. and Maria J. (Machado) Abelha. He worked as a machine operator for many years in the local textile industry prior to his retirement. He loved tending to his grapevine, gardening, fishing, and making his own wine. An avid Benfica fan, he also enjoyed watching the Boston Bruins. Artur held family gatherings to be of utmost importance for his family meant the world to him. Besides his wife of fifty-six years, he leaves: his children, Arthur G. Abelha of Freetown and Grace R. Medeiros and her husband Peter of Fall River; two grandchildren, Ryan Medeiros and his wife Alison and Peter Medeiros and his wife Ines, both of Fall River; four great-grandchildren, P.J., Nezy, Lincoln, and Wesson; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Alfredo Abelha and Jose Raposo. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, December 7th, in Espirito Santo Church followed by his committal at Notre Dame Cemetery.