Joseph S. Luiz III, 68, Cape Coral, Fla., died unexpectedly Aug. 19, 2011, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston.

He was born in New Bedford, Mass., to Joseph S. Luiz Jr. and Irene Bento Luiz. He married Shirley E. Diggle Luiz who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Judith (Andy) Coventry, Mesa, Ariz., and Jane Elsner, Abington, Mass; a son, Joseph S. Luiz IV, Dartmouth; two stepdaughters, Jacqueline Cormier, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Jody Cormier, Dartmouth; sisters, Elaine Medeiros, Fort Myers, Fla., and Sandy Avila, Fairhaven; a brother, Jeffrey Lewis, Dartmouth; a brother-in-law, Gordon Diggle, Celina; several grandchildren and a great-grandson.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and for many years owned and operated J.S. Luiz III Construction Company. He was a member of American Legion Post 166 in Fairhaven, New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, United Way of New Bedford and Prince Henry Society. He was active in the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford.

He received many awards including the Massachusetts State Senate Official Citation Award for his outstanding accomplishment in business and community service.

Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute, Dartmouth, Mass. Private burial will follow.

Calling is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford or to the Humane Society and Shelter Southcoast, Dartmouth.

Condolences may be left at waring-sullivan.com.