Obituary of Antonio Paulo Nunes

Antonio Paulo Nunes, age 83, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2022 at St. Vincent's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Known lovingly as 'Tony' by family and friends, he made an impact on every person he met and will be dearly missed.

Tony was born in Fornos de Algodres, Portugal, on June 4, 1939 to the late Delfim Augusto Nunes and Emilia Paulo Nunes. Tony immigrated to the United States in 1964. He was married to his loving wife Teresa DeAlmeida Nunes for 58 years, and they raised their 3 children Isabel (Bella), Delfim (Del), and Antonio (Tonito) in Bridgeport, Connecticut. After learning how to be a mechanic from their father, Tony and his brother Ze Manuel Nunes grew a successful autobody business of their own, Nunes Auto Body & Sales Inc., in Bridgeport. His employees became a second family, and he was well known by everyone in the area. He believed wholeheartedly in the importance of hard work, and it was a value he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Even late into his seventies, Tony would still go to the garage every morning to unlock the doors, start a fresh pot of coffee, and make sure things were being run just the way he liked. With his children and nephews now managing and working at the garage, Tony and Ze Manuel built upon their father's legacy.

Tony was very proud of his Portuguese heritage. He was one of the original members of the Vasco da Gama Portuguese club, and spent many happy times at festivals there eating his favorite foods and dancing the night away with his family. Naturally, soccer was a way of life for Tony. He played as a young man, and was a lifelong fan of his favorite team, Benfica. He would tune into every game from his favorite recliner. Whenever there was a soccer game on, you could walk into Tony's house knowing that whether his team won or lost, there would always be good food and a good bottle of wine to enjoy after the game. Although Tony loved going out to dinner, there was no one else who could cook his favorite meals quite like his devoted wife. Teresa's soup could literally turn his day around, and he was lucky enough to have a fresh bowl prepared for him every day.

More than anything else, Tony received joy from helping his family and friends. So many people would come to him for advice or help with their problems, and he loved feeling needed by others. Tony was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved most. He appreciated the simple things in life, like watching the rain fall from the warmth of his recliner, taking his grandchildren out to ice cream, and sharing a good meal and drink with his family and friends. One of his favorite traditions was Monday night dinner, where his family would come over every week. You could always find him smiling while watching his family talk and laugh loudly over a delicious homecooked meal. His dedication to his family and friends was his best quality, and he leaves behind so many people who loved him dearly.

Tony was predeceased by his parents, siblings Delfim "Gito" Nunes and Maria do Carmo "Mita" Pina, and his beloved grandson Delfin Mathew Nunes. In addition to his loving wife Maria, Tony is survived by siblings Maria Luisa Felicio of Portugal, Maria Carlota Pachecho of Portugal, Maria Albertina "Tinita" Toulouse of France, and his brother Ze Manuel and his wife Francisca of Shelton, sister-in-law, Julia Solis and her husband Arturo of Seymour; daughter Bela and her husband Joe Barroso of Bridgeport, son Delfim Nunes and his wife Maria of Shelton, and his youngest son Tony (Tito) Nunes of West Haven. In addition to the many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, cousins, godchildren and friends that Tony leaves behind to cherish his memory, Tony will be missed perhaps the most by his grandchildren Alexandra and her husband Ted, Rachel, Christian, Charlotte, and Ella.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. directly in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 429 Huntington Rd., Bridgeport. At Tony's request, there will be no calling hours and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Our Lady of Fatima Church, Bridgeport. Arrangements entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.