Manuel F. “Fred” Tavares, 68, of New Bedford died Friday, Aug. 28, unexpectedly. He was the husband of Sharon (Eisan) Tavares.

Born in Wareham, he was the son of the late Alfred N. and Joanna (Alves) Tavares. A previous resident of Taunton, he has lived in New Bedford for several years. Mr. Tavares graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School and UMass Dartmouth. He was employed as manager for Grossman’s Bargain Outlet and retired in 2011. He enjoyed spending time with his family and telling stories.

Mr. Tavares was a U.S. Army veteran and served during Vietnam war. His last duty assignment was 3rd Special Forces Group (ABN), Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

Survivors include his wife; Sharon Tavares of Hanson; his children, Anita Tavares of Taunton, Alfred J. Tavares and his wife Michelle of Rockland, Fredrick A. Tavares and Jonathan N. Tavares both of Hanson and Gregory L. Tavares of Whitman; his sister, Joanne Tavares of Dorchester; his grandchildren, Kai A. Simmons, Khoury A. Simmons and Daniel J. Tavares; his aunts, Mary C. Owens and Benvinda Lobo both of Mattapoisett and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 4, at St. Patrick’s Church, High Street, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Mattapoisett. Friends and relatives may visit on Thursday at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway from 5 to 8 p.m.

For directions and on-line guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com