Father Horace J. Travassos Dies

FALL RIVER — Rev. Horace J. Travassos, a priest of the Diocese of Fall River for more than 50 years, died June 21, 2026. He was 83.

Born Jan. 2, 1943, in Fall River, he was the son of the late Horace J. Travassos and Veronica (Carey) Travassos.

Father Travassos graduated from Coyle and Cassidy High School and earned a master’s degree from Providence College before studying for the priesthood at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Fall River in 1973.

His first assignment was as associate pastor of St. James Parish in New Bedford. He later served as assistant chancellor for the Diocese of Fall River from 1976 to 1983. In 1988, he was appointed rector of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River, where he served for nine years. He was then named pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport in 1997 and remained there until his retirement in June 2014.

Throughout his priesthood, Father Travassos also served the diocese in several leadership roles, including director of the Office of Family Ministry, advocate for the Diocesan Tribunal and co-chair of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission.

Known for his warm personality and wide-ranging interests, Father Travassos enjoyed classical music, photography, gardening and dining with family and friends.

He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Fitzgerald and her husband, Kenneth; his longtime friend, Robert Pacheco; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Waterhouse.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oliveira Funeral Home, South Main Street Chapel, 2064 S. Main St., Fall River.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery will be private.

Diocese of Fall River

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