Obituary of Flavio M. Rafael

Flavio M. Rafael, age 62, of Bridgeport, beloved husband of Maria Teresa Morais Rafael and devoted father to Danny and Michelle Rafael, passed away suddenly on May 27, 2014. Flavio was born on February 25, 1952 in Antigo Serraquinhos, Montalegre Portugal and was the son of Matilde Moura Rafael of Bridgeport and the late Antonio Rafael. He was employed by Ashcroft Inc. of Stratford with 30 years of dedicated service. Flavio was a warm and loving husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle to his large family. At an early age he developed a special interest for cars and enjoyed fishing as a pastime. He was a fan of the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and the Portuguese soccer teams, locally and abroad. Flavio carried on the family tradition of making wine, took great pride and joy in his garden and he always opened his home to family and friends. He was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church. In addition to his beloved wife of 32 years, Maria Teresa, children, Michelle Rafael and Danny Rafael and his girlfriend, Cathy DeSousa and his mother, Matilde, survivors include his brothers, Ilidio Rafael and wife Carlota of Trumbull, Manuel Rafael of Bridgeport and sisters, Anna Prushko and husband Gary of Shelton, Tina Rafael of Monroe, Mindy Marchio and husband Joe of Monroe, Alzira Capela and husband Amandio of Shelton, and Maria Capela and husband Tony of Monroe. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law Arminda Morais of Bridgeport, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and godchildren. Flavio also leaves his canine companion, Boneca. Flavio was predeceased by a sister, Arminda Rafael, and father-in-law, Joao Morais. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday from 4-8 p.m.