Staff Sergeant Ilidio Manuel "Skid" Pereira, ARNG Retired, 61, of Westport, passed away on the evening of Tuesday, October 15, 2019 following a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Born in Faial, Azores, son of Maria (Furtado) Pereira of Fall River, and the late Alexandre Pereira, he emigrated to Fall River in 1961 at the age of two.

Ilidio graduated from Diman Regional Vocational & Technical High School in 1976 and worked as an auto body painter for several years before becoming a skilled laborer. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 31 years.

Besides his mother, he leaves: two daughters, Jasmine Pereira and Hailey Pereira both of Westport; four siblings, Mary Correia and Alda Pereira (Ilidio's twin) both of Fall River, Michael Pereira of North Adams, and Frank Pereira of Somerset; many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, October 19th, in Santo Christo Church followed by his committal with military honors at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation in Ilidio's memory to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial support to New England area cancer patients and their families. Donations may be mailed directly to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, 49 Plain St, Ste 500, North Attleboro, MA 02760; or made online at www.joeandruzzifoundation.org