Virgilio Rodrigues Da Silva
Virgilio Rodrigues Da Silva, a beloved brother, uncle, and cherished member of the community, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old. Virgilio was born in Chaves, Portugal, to Joaquim Francisco Gonçalves Da Silva and Maria da Glória Rodrigues da Silva. Virgilio’s life was filled with a passion for music, particularly singing and playing the guitar. He was the Lead singer of the renowned Portuguese Band Express during the 80’s and 90’s, captivating audiences with his talent and charisma. Outside of music, Virgilio found joy in watching the Portugal national soccer team and FC Porto team play at Omanel’s Restaurant where he could often be found, in his favorite spot against the wall, cheering on his beloved teams. Upon moving to the United States from Portugal, Virgilio embarked on a career journey that showcased his hard work and dedication. He started by being a janitor at Fairfield University then building in-ground pools, and then transitioned to working as a precious metals machine operator at Handy & Harman in Fairfield for many years. He also briefly worked at Derecktor Shipyard before finding his place as a paper products machine operator at Mercantile Development Inc. in Shelton, CT, where he contributed his skills and expertise until his passing. Virgilio leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family.
He is survived by his siblings, Elisabete Matias and husband Humberto, Fernando da Silva and wife Georgina, Manuel R. Silva and wife Emilia, Jorge da Silva, Ilda Rodrigues da Silva (Cesar) and husband
Joaquim, Graca da Silva, and Antonio Silva and wife Isabel, his uncle Jack Rodrigues of Trumbull and Cidalia Rodrigues da Silva of Portugal. He is predeceased by his brother Francisco da Silva. Virgilio also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who adored him and will forever cherish his memory. Virgilio’s kindness, laughter, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire and uplift those who carry his memory in their hearts. Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating his legacy and sharing their condolences during this time of remembrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 429 Huntington Rd., Bridgeport. Interment will be in the Vila Nova de Veiga Cemetery, Chaves, Portugal. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com