Ernest J. Barboza

PROVIDENCE - Ernest J. "Ernie" Barboza, 90, of Providence, peacefully departed this life on the evening of Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Hulitar Hope Hospice Center in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Barbara J. (Sears) Barboza.

Born on March 13, 1933, in Providence, Ernie was the loving son of the late Joseph L. Barboza and Philomena (Faria) Barboza. Raised in Providence, he graduated from Hope High School. Ernie proudly served his country as a Seaman, Fire Control Technician Striker in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954, stationed on the USS Missouri. He was honorably discharged with gratitude.

Ernie was a member of Teamsters Union Local 251, showcasing his skill as a gifted truck driver. His prowess behind the wheel was legendary - he could maneuver anything with ease, even driving a car carrier in reverse on his street as effortlessly as if it were a regular car.

An avid reader, Ernie had a passion for exploring new places and enjoyed Sunday drives with his family. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion and love.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, Ernie is survived by and was the devoted father of their children: Joan Robinson of Seekonk, MA; Eileen Marie Andrade and husband Gordon of Douglas, MA; and Ernest Michael Barboza of Providence. He was a cherished grandfather to Tomas Robinson and Michael Barboza and his wife Lany, and a great-grandfather to Lucia Robinson, Julianna Barboza, Jayce Barboza, and Jackson Barboza. Friend of Bill W. for 52 years.

Ernie was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara Elizabeth Barboza, and siblings: Noel Barboza, Yvonne Clark, Joseph Barboza, Evelyn Coelho, and Marion Deady.

A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated in his honor by the Reverend Joseph Escobar, will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence. Interment with full United States Naval honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside.

Visitation has respectfully been omitted. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Ernie's memory to be made to the American Heart Association. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or made online at www.heart.org.

Arrangements are under the compassionate care and direction of the REBELLO Funeral Home, East Providence, RI.

Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend to celebrate the life of this remarkable man.

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