Obituary of Joao Fernandes Afonso

Joao Fernandes Afonso, age 74, of Shelton, beloved husband of the late Maria Julia Rodrigues Afonso, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 with his loving daughter by his side. Born in Montalegre, Portugal on April 23, 1951, he was a son of the late Jose and Rosa Fernandes Afonso. Along with his family, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 14, settling in Bridgeport.

Joao was a longtime member of the CT Laborers and the Operators Unions. He was a former employee of New England Railroad Construction and Complete Construction. A hard-working man, he provided the best for his family. He was a member of the Vasco da Gama Club, where he enjoyed spending time with his friends watching soccer. Joao enjoyed fishing, tending to his garden and attending church at Our Lady of Fatima in Bridgeport.

A man of quiet strength and unwavering dedication, Joao worked hard throughout his life—not for recognition, but to ensure that his loved ones were cared for and supported. His greatest joy came from being with his family, especially his daughter, son-in-law and beloved granddaughter, Juliana, who was the light of his life. He was the kind of man whose love for his family was the center of everything he did. The unconditional love he gave and the values he taught will forever live in their hearts.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Julia, his dear son, John Afonso; brothers, Guilherme and Jose Afonso and brother-in-law, Jose Pereira.

Survivors include his loving and devoted daughter, Nancy Pires and her husband Michael, a cherished and adored granddaughter, Juliana Pires, his long-time partner Lena Moura, brothers, Antonio Afonso and wife Theresa, Manuel Afonso and wife Joaquina, sisters, Fatima Pereira, Virginia Afonso and husband Joao, and Maria Surreira and husband, Joao, sister-in-law Fernanda Afonso as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Though he is gone too soon, the love and example he gave will remain a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 465 Huntington Rd., Bridgeport. Entombment will follow in the Chapel Mausoleum in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.