New Bedford Invited to Celebrate the Life of Gene Daniels

A celebration has been planned for the life of a New Bedford man who, for more than 40 years, had been at so many other celebrations for others.

Bernie Fagundes, Sr. – known professionally as Gene Daniels – was a well-known DJ and entertainer on the SouthCoast for more than 40 years. The former WBSM disc jockey and Music Director passed away earlier this week at the age of 70.

It seems like everyone on the SouthCoast has had a Gene Daniels memory to share in the days since his passing, from hearing him on WBSM to having him DJ their wedding, anniversary, or other event.

“Although somewhat expected considering his character and career, our family is humbled by the unbelievable outpouring of response, comments, posts, phone calls and more,” said his son, Bernie “Junior Jay” Fagundes, Jr. “We hope to honor him this Tuesday with a celebration of his life, that we’d like to think of as ‘one last gig.’”

Fagundes said his father’s mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Holy Name of Sacred Heart Church at 121 Mount Pleasant Street in New Bedford. Fagundes said the public is invited to join the family in the parking lot of the church at around 10:45 a.m. and take part in the procession to Sacred Heart Cemetery, near the New Bedford Regional Airport.

People are also invited to line up along Mount Pleasant Street on the cemetery and Comcast sides, Fagundes said, to pay tribute as his father arrives at the cemetery.

“Bring signs, memories, whatever you’ve got,” Fagundes said. “Let’s make sure that the man who helped you enjoy your day gets to enjoy his, one last time.”

Those taking part can follow along with the event information on Facebook.