Joao Rodrigues

João Ferreira Rodrigues, 89, of Naugatuck, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19th. Joao was born on September 24th, 1934 in Gafanha da Encarnação, Portugal.

In his younger years, he was a fisherman in Brazil who moved his family to the United States in 1974. He went on to become a construction business owner & pave the way for generations to come.

João was a man of integrity & overflowing joy who loved those around him fiercely. He never missed an opportunity to get out on the dance floor at parties or to bring people together over a celebratory meal. He valued community: with family & friends, his church, and the greater Portuguese community.

Even as Alzheimer’s began to steal his memories, he never lost his love for family, his faith in Jesus, or his jubilant spirit.

The only thing that could hold a candle to João’s love for family was his family’s love for him. He is survived by the love of his life - his devoted wife of 63 years, Ausenda. He will be greatly missed by his greatest pride, his family: son John & wife Victoria, son Joe & wife Maria, and his grandchildren: Ivana, Juliana, Jake, Emilia, and Alexander.

A catholic funeral mass will be held in his honor on Wednesday, November 22nd at 1:00PM at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Waterbury, followed by a burial at St. James Cemetery in Naugatuck.

Memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of Fatima Church.