Raul Epolito Pires' Obituary
Raul Epolito Pires, affectionately known as Toody, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2022 at the age of 81. Toody was the wonderful father of son Michael, daughter Karen and her husband Michael McCarthy, daughter Maureen, and daughter Michelle (deceased). He was the amazing grandfather of Teddy Baker, Alex Pires, Lauren Morales, Brandon Pires, Maggie Pires, Dan Martinez, Casey McCarthy, and Madison McCarthy. Toody was the devoted husband of Angela Pires (deceased) and is survived by the mothers of his children Maureen Pires and Penny Pires, his brother Al and his wife Vicki, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Toody was born on March 8, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts to Joseph and Angelina Pires and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was the second youngest of 5 brothers and has joined his brothers Armando, Joseph, and Christopher in the next life. Toody was raised to value hard work, dedication to completing tasks to the best of one’s ability, love of family, and love of the United States of America. When he was of age, Toody embarked on what would become a distinguished and honorable military service during the Vietnam Conflict. Sergeant Pires served in the 25th Infantry Division of the United States Army, and was an original member of a highly elite unit, “The Best of the Best”, called Project Shotgun. He served as a doorgunner in this elite corps of soldiers and the bravery and heroism shown by Sergeant Pires and his fellow servicemen is, perhaps, unmatched. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism for his service bravely protecting supply missions, personnel transport, and evacuations aboard his assigned Bell UH-1 Utility Helicopter. Sergeant Raul “Toody” Pires completed his years of service in the US Army and entered civilian life as a true American hero.
Following his distinguished military service, Toody embarked on a life of building a wonderful family and business. He was passionate about working hard to make a better life for his family and his hard work ultimately led to him opening his own commercial flooring company, Apollo Floors,Inc. Toody operated the company out of Dorchester, Massachusetts for over 25 years and was immensely respected as a boss and as a flooring expert. He continued to work as a commercial flooring consultant after his retirement, including when he relocated to Spring Hill, Florida.
Toody was a man who cultivated amazing friendships wherever he went. He cherished his time with his chosen family of motorcycle enthusiasts, and he loved riding, laughing, dancing, and partying with his motorcycle brothers and sisters. He valued his wonderful friends in the military community, particularly those he met in Spring Hill as a member of the VFW and other military social clubs.
Toody cherished his time with his late wife, Angela, who he met near his home in Spring Hill, FLA and later married in 2014. While he deeply missed Angela after her passing, he continued to honor her memory every day and considered her children, John, Justin, and Melanie, and other close family members of hers, his own family.
Raul “Toody” Pires will be remembered for his love for family and friends, his loyalty to his country, and his passion for life. His influence will continue to be felt by so many. He will be deeply missed by his family and close friends who will remember him with deep respect for the man he was and will cherish the memories he leaves behind.
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