Durval Tavares, 91, of Somerset, husband of Maria Fatima (Cabral) Tavares, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Born in Faja de Baixo, St. Michael, Azores, the son of the late Manuel and Gilda (de Viveiros) Tavares, he emigrated to the Fall River area in 1969.

He worked in the local textile industry at the former Swan Finishing before retiring in 1997. Most important to Durval was spending time with his wife and family, and he was always sure to support his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in their many endeavors. A proud and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather he cheered on his family at their sporting events and music concerts, making every performance feel special. He was happiest when surrounded by loved ones, and instilled in them the importance of keeping strong family ties.

Besides his loving wife, of 66 years, he is survived by: four children, Carlos Tavares (wife Maria) of Somerset, Durval Tavares (wife Debra) of Dighton, Maria Monte (husband Michael) of Somerset, and Alberto Tavares (wife Anna) of Dartmouth; seven grandchildren, Dawn Doraz, Jessica Schimmel, Pamela Tavares, Joshua Tavares, Michael Monte, Megan Monte, and Ashlyn Tavares; eight great grandchildren, Connor, Jack, Owen, Cora, Declan, Quinn, Olive, and Reina; several nieces and nephews. Durval was also the brother of the late Cidalia Tavares.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, October 14th, in St. John of God Church followed by his committal at Nathan Slade Cemetery both in Somerset. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Durval's memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 800-805-5856, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html ; Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5023, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5023, 888-392-0392, Ways to give donations | Doctors Without Borders - USA ; or Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, 888-240-3797, Ways to Give | Operation Smile .

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of this pandemic or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website ( www.silvafaria.com ) and not through a third party. Thank you!