James R. Leal

James R. Leal, 93 of Fairhaven Ma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. 

                       Son of the late Manuel and Isaura R.C. Leal,

Husband of the late Dolores ( Couto ) Leal, who he was married to for 70 years.  Father of Lori Leal and her Soulmate Scott Martin,

Robert Leal and his wife Diane, Gregory Leal and his wife Annette. 7 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren, 2 Godsons, 1 God-Daughter. Brother to Palmira Pereira of New Bedford, Ma. and Eva Sniezek of Middletown, R.I.. Deceased Brothers and Sisters, Fernando and Joseph Leal of Conn., Sisters Ida Pereira and Laurinda Albert/Hulina of New Bedford, Ma., 

James was born in Portugal, he earned his U.S. Citizenship fighting for our Country in the Korean War, in 1952 to 1954. Member of the 17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Combat Medics where he was awarded a Purple Heart and The Bronze Star with Valor, aiding his comrades at The Battle of Pork Chop Hill. Worked as a Mason all his life, Member of Local 37 Mason Union, was Treasurer and Secretary. Board Member of the Veterans Transitional House in New Bedford, Member of the 

Veteran Buffalo Regiment and Korean War Veterans.

James and his wife went to yearly Conventions all over the U.S.. He was on the Fairhaven Housing Authority, The Fairhaven Conservation Commission, Fairhaven Man of the Year 2007

and Master of Ceremony of the Veterans Day Parade.  James could be seen every year walking Proudly with other Veterans carrying his Red, White and Blue Umbrella.  When he couldn’t walk he was always seen in a Jeep riding with his family.  He was 

also in the New Bedford Veterans Day Parade which ended 

at the Common Clasky Park where he would lay a wreath at the Korean Memorial. Member of the VFW Post 2892 Fairhaven, 

The Never Forgotten Soldiers Club and the Knights of Columbus. He helped organize the Viet Nam Moving Wall to come to Fairhaven, Chairman to Organize the " Chair of Honor " at Fairhaven's Town Hall in 2014, Helped in establishing the Fort Tabor, Fort Rodman Military Museum in 2004, which he donated Korean War Memorabilia that takes up many display cases and encouraged many family and friends to add their own memorabilia and pictures of themselves when they were in service too Our Country. He was also on the Committee to Erect The Korean War Memorial at the Common Clasky Park in New Bedford, in 2001, His image and 2 other soldiers he served with are etched on the Monument. James was always willing to help any and all Veterans in Need. He made Display Cases that he gave to many Veterans to hang proudly in their homes, at no cost to the Veteran.

He attended the Dedication of the USS Constitution along with Dignitaries from our Area at Boston Harbor in 2017.  He has been on Local Channel T.V. several times talking about the Korean War,

The Military Museum and the Korean Memorial, one such airing was titled "Hero's Among Us".

James has been presented with many awards and  dedications throughout the years for going above and beyond helping Veterans. He also worked at Fairhaven AT&T after Retirement. 

James would like to extend a Special Thanks to his Friends for their years of Friendship.

In accordance with Family wishes he will be cremated with all services omitted. In Lieu of flowers, 

Donations may be made to the Veterans Transitional House, 1297 Purchase St. New Bedford, Ma. 02740

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