A Westport couple was married for nearly 60 years before they were killed in a head-on car crash in Dartmouth late last month, according to their obituary.
Diane and Jeffrey Moniz, both 76, were killed in a crash in front of 422 Old Westport Road around 10:30 a.m. on May 25, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office said previously. An SUV driven by 63-year-old Dartmouth resident Philip Morris crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck their car.
Both Diane and Jeffrey Moniz were taken to a local hospital, but they were soon declared dead, the district attorney’s office said. Morris received minor injuries and is facing two counts of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and a marked lanes violation in connection with the crash.
Jeffrey “Jeff” Moniz was born in New Bedford on May 2, 1949, according to his and his wife’s obituary. Diane Moniz was born on Feb. 3 of the same year.
Prior to moving to Westport, the husband and wife were long-time Dartmouth residents, according to their obituary. They leave behind their daughters, Cheryl Moniz and Wendy Correia, three grandchildren — Hailey, Nathan and Justin, Jeffrey Moniz’s brother, Michael Moniz, and many other beloved friends and relatives.
“Married for 59 years, Jeff & Diane were not only partners in life, but best friends,” their obituary reads. “Their devotion to each other was evident in every small gesture, every laugh shared, and every challenge faced hand in hand.”
A private funeral service has been arranged for the couple.
