Arthur F. Machado, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
March 10, 1938 – December 19, 1998

BOSTON — Dr. Arthur F. Machado Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.), 60, of Fairhaven, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998, at the Massachusetts General Hospital unexpectedly. He was the husband of Edith J. “Edie” (Sylvia) Machado.

Born in New Bedford, a son of Irene (Samanica) Machado of New Bedford and the late Arthur F. Machado Sr., he spent his youth in New Bedford, lived in Omaha, Neb., for 18 years, returning to Fairhaven 2 years ago.

A Lt. Col. in the Air Force, Dr. Machado served for 26 years, retiring in August of 1981. He served as a helicopter pilot, fire fighter and pilot instructor during the Vietnam War. Mr. Machado was the recipient of the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, with 2 bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, the RVN Gallantry Cross, RVN Campaign Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award and the Presidential Unit Citation.

After his retirement, Mr. Machado worked as the director of Rehabilitation Services at the Opportunity Center in New Bedford for one year. He was a member and on the board of the Conservation Committee of Fairhaven and was a member of the retired Officers Association of the Southeastern Area.

Mr. Machado was a 1956 graduate of New Bedford High School, received his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Maryland, his Master’s Degree from Auburn University in Alabama and his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska.

He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven. While living in Nebraska, he was a communicant of St. Peter’s Church and sang in its Choir. After his retirement from the Air Force, he became a professor at the University of Nebraska for several years. He was appointed an Admiral in the prestigious honorary organization entitled “The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.” He also worked for the Nebraska State Planning Board.

Survivors include his wife and mother; a son, Randal F. Machado of New Bedford; two daughters, Donna M. Ferris and Robin L. Friday both of Plainfield, Ill.; a brother, Donald Machado of New Bedford; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephew.

His funeral will be at 1030 a.m. Wednesday at the Fairlawn Mortuary of Sullivan-Waring, 180 Washington St. Fairhaven, followed by a funeral Mass at 1130 in St. Joseph’s Church, Spring St. Fairhaven.

Burial in St. John’s Cemetery, New Bedford