Kenneth Almeida obituary – SouthCoastToday.com

Kenneth almeida

Rehoboth – Kenneth Almeida of Rehoboth received his last pair of wings on October 22, 2021. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Manuel Almeida and Florence Mabel (Powell) Almeida and the wife of the late Mary (Barresi) Almeida. He spent his youth in Fall River, the next 50 years were spent in Swansea, then moved to Rehoboth in 2000 to be with his family.

He was an American WWII Veteran and 2 tour service in the European Theater with the US Navy Air Squadrons, winning the African Middle Eastern European and WWII Victory Medals . After his return in 1945, he was assigned to the Experimental Parachute Unit at Center Lakehurst, New Jersey. This unit was a new unit in the Navy tasked with researching the safety of parachuting. While in this unit, he obtained his Navy Gold Parachutist Wings and was designated a Navy Parachutist for his experiments and research.

Demobilized in 1946, he went to work in the public service at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He retired from public service in 1973 with 34 years of government service. His government assignment involved aircraft and manufacturing companies in the United States involving contracts, parts, and assembly lines. His last posting was in Japan to the Kawasaki Aircraft Company as plant manager for US government contracts for the return of combat damaged aircraft during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Almeida will be best remembered for his work with the programs he has put in place for the Swansea Recreation Program. In 1957, a model airplane building school was established to build model airplanes and learn how to fly them. The program got a national copy in Model Magazine. In 1958 he launched the Swansea SQD of Civil Air Patrol and through this program many boys and girls in the area received top awards. Some of the young people from this region have been selected for the international cadet exchanges. Major Almeida in 1960 was chosen for his leadership to escort 10 cadets to Peru as part of the international cadet exchange program. Again in 1961, Major Almeida was selected as the escort officer to take outstanding cadets to the Perrin Air Base jet program.

A very dedicated pilot for 70 years, he will be remembered for his day aviation programs that he implemented at the Fall River Airport, so that families could fly. All the money earned was donated to charity. In 1961, Major Almeida was selected as the Rhode Island Wing Civilian Air Patrol Operations Assistant and was tasked with implementing the Complex Aircraft Program Improving Wing Pilots.

After retiring from government service in 1973, he was recalled to service to assist with the base closure at Quonset Point, the rework facility, and ensure that the proper tools and machinery were dispatched. appropriate programs at other facilities. After the work was completed in 1974, he was hired by Electric Boat Facilities to help and set up the programs in place at this facility. He retired from Electric Boat in October 1977. During his flying years he received 8 of 10 FAA proficiency wing sets during his check flights with FAA certified instructors.

He is survived by a son, Leslie P Almeida of Rehoboth, a daughter Linda Bullock, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Marie Vogler, Linda McKowen, Albert Almeida, Joseph Almeida, Shirley Powell Preston, Beverly Almeida and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a Christian funeral mass at St. Dominic’s 1277 Grand Army Highway, Swansea on Wednesday, November 3 at 10 a.m. Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery, Swansea. Kenneth’s arrangements are in the custody of Hathaway Community Home for Funerals 900 Buffinton St. Somerset. To express your condolences to the family or to light a candle, please visit www.hathawayfunerals.ocm In lieu of flowers, please donate in her honor to the American Cancer Society PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City OK 73123.