Antone Rapoza, 86, of Mattapoisett died February 1 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.

Born in Fall River, the son of the late Mariano and Francesca (Borges) Rapoza, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

He was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett.

Mr. Rapoza was formerly employed as an accountant at Burr Brothers and Kerry Pontiac before retiring from the Old Rochester Regional School System.

He was a member of the Machacum Club and the Florence Eastman American Legion Post. He was an avid walker, reader, writer and above all a devoted family man.

Mr. Rapoza served in the U.S. Navy as a gunners mate 3rd class during World War II. He served aboard the U.S.S. Raven mine sweeper and was proud to have participated in the Normandy Invasion by clearing the English Channel.

Mr. Rapoza was the recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign ribbon with two stars, the American Theater medal and the World War II Victory medal.

Survivors include two sisters, Hilda Days and Helen Couto, both of Mattapoisett; special friends, Gene and Terry Sarmento of New Bedford; and 26 nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Manuel Rapoza, John Rapoza, Mariano Rapoza, Olivia Martin, Georgiana Nobre and Mary Gomes.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701.