Dr. Delfim “Del” Marques Pereira, 66, formerly of Naugatuck, died peacefully, Dec. 30, 2014, in Michigan after fighting a courageous battle with Frontal Temporal Dementia. Del was born April 11, 1948 in Bunheiro, Portugal and came to this country with his family in 1958.
He is survived by his loving children, Vanessa and Daniel; granddaughter, Isa Pilar; mother, Laura Pereira of Naugatuck; brother, Ed (Anne) Pereira and their family of Michigan; sister, Maria (Victor) Roman and their family of South Carolina, an aunt, four nieces and nephews, two great-nieces, and many adored cousins and friends in the U.S., Portugal and Brazil. Del is preceded in death by his son, Alexander and his father, Casimiro Pereira. Del was a great son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Del was educated in the Naugatuck school system, excelling as a champion swimmer and diver. He continued his education at the University of New Haven where he was an athletic standout, team captain, MVP and “All Star” during his college years. He achieved further national recognition, achieving All American Honors for soccer in 1968; being chosen and recognized in Outstanding College Athletes of America in 1969; and being inducted into the Hall of Fame (University of New Haven) in 1995 for his superior leadership and athletic contributions to the sport of soccer.
His love for the fields of psychology and education led him to Fairfield University to complete his graduate studies and then to Mississippi State University where he completed his Doctorate Degree.
Del’s passions and purpose in life were his family, his friends, and his work. His rewarding role in the Miami-Dade School System at Rockway Middle School provided many years of fulfilling and rewarding work, guiding young adolescents and preparing them for their future and their success.
Del was also passionate about his Portuguese heritage. Although he moved to Miami to pursue his career, he never forgot his beginnings in Connecticut at Our Lady of Fatima Church, the many activities with folklore, theatre and fundraising, as well as the Portuguese Club dances and “all things soccer.” He enjoyed traveling to Portugal with his family and friends to share the rich heritage, beautiful music, delicious food and enlightened culture that he loved so much.
Del was loved and cared for by many extraordinary people who made his final days ones filled with comfort and dignity. We know that Del would want to extend a special thanks to the medical and hospice staffs at St. John Macomb Hospital in Warren and the team at The Arden Courts Memory Care Facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
The Reverend Fr. Francisco Eurico will preside at a Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 11, 2015, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin St., Waterbury, CT 06706.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Del to Our Lady of Fatima Church, Emmaus Youth Group at the above address.
Condolences at lynchfuneraldirectors.com.
