Obituary of Serafim Martins Antunes

Serafim Martins Antunes, age 85, of Shelton and formerly of Bridgeport, beloved husband of Amelia Martins Antunes, passed away peacefully, Sunday, April 2, 2023, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 21, 1937, in Vila Nova de Veiga, Chaves, Portugal, he was the son of the late Manuel and Teresa Martins Antunes.

As a veteran of the Marinha Portuguesa (the Portuguese Navy), Serafim served his country with pride for 19 years. In 1973, along with his family, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was the owner and operator of Vasco's Liquor Store in Bridgeport for 22 years before his retirement. He was a member of the Vasco da Gama Club, where he enjoyed watching soccer and the comaraderie amongst his friends. He played professionally on the Sporting Junior Soccer team and carried his love for the game throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing pool and shared his love of both games with his grandchildren.

But above all things in his life, family was by far the most important. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. The unconditional love and values he showed and taught them will live on forever in their hearts. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his beloved wife of 58 years, Amelia, he is survived by his two loving daughters, Maria Vaz and her husband Tony, and Christine Jardim. His three cherished grandchildren, Steven Vaz and his wife Ashley, and Kayla and Alyssa Jardim, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Antonio and Jose Antunes, and two sisters, Alice Martins and Madalena Fernandes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 429 Huntington Road, Bridgeport, CT. Interment will follow in Lawn Cemetery South, Shelton, CT. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT. If you wish, in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489, www.alz.org.