Obituary of Rafael Mendes Coelho

Rafael Mendes Coelho July 02, 1918 - August 09, 2007 Rafael Mendes Coelho, age 89, of Purcell Drive, Danbury, husband of Angela Coelho, died peacefully at Danbury Hospital on Sunday, August 5th. He was born in Sao Paio Gouveia, Portugal, on July 2, 1918, son of the late Jose Mendes Coelho and Maria Augusta Pina Coelho. He was a Veteran of the Portugese Army. As a young man in Portugal, Mr. Coelho owned and operated a Tailor Shop. He migrated to the United States in 1957 and devoted himself to making a life for his family in the U.S. He worked for Rebello's Taylor Shop in Danbury and as an upholsterer for Castro Convertible. He continued to work in the tailoring field until the age of 88. Mr. Coelho was a past member of the Sons of Portugal. He enjoyed working with his hands, making clothing, and cultivating his Victory Garden. He especially loved growing grapes for his homemade wine. He never lost his love for his homeland, Portugal. He shared his passion for Portuguese culture, music and food with his beloved family. In addition to his wife, Angela, he will be sadly missed by his cherished son, Jorge Rafael Ferreira Coelho and his wife, Holly, of Wolcott; his five grandchildren, Kevin, Steven, and Leah Coelho of Wolcott, Christina Coelho of Naugatuck, and Carla Martin of Avon; his great grandson, Jack Martin; and his daughter-in-law, Maureen Coelho of Naugatuck. He is also survived by his sister, Emilia Pina Coelho of Portugal; and his nephews Anthony, David and Joseph Coelho. He was predeceased by his first wife, Conceicao Marques Ferreira Coelho; and his son, Edwardo Jose Ferreira Coelho; and his brother, Antonio Mendes Coelho. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 13th at 10:00am at St. Peter Church, Danbury. Burial in St. Peter Cemetery will follow. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Sunday, August 12th between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00pm.