Delfin (Del) Gonsalves, 93, of Middleboro, Mass, and New Fairfield, Conn., died Wednesday, April 22, 2015.
He was born to the late Joseph and Augusta Gonsalves on Feb. 8, 1922 in Lawrence, Mass. Del enlisted in the Army in 1942 at the age of 20 and served in Africa, Italy and Germany during World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Prior to leaving for war, Del married his beloved wife Emily Bento. They later raised their children Carol, Daniel, and Robert (Bob) in New Fairfield.
Del served as a corrections officer at the Federal Correction Institute and later worked as a warehouse supervisor at the Danbury Hospital. Upon the death of his wife Emily, Del moved to Oak Point in Middleboro, Mass., to be closer to his family.
Del enjoyed golf, cards and bird watching. Other favorite activities included making and especially eating traditional Portuguese holiday cuisine, cookouts at his daughter’s home on the ocean while eating mussels with his great-grandchildren and watching the Boston Red Sox. Del was a billiards enthusiast who also prided himself for “having the most meticulous yard on the planet.” Del loved each and every one of his family, friends as well as his country.
His brother John Gonsalves and sister Josephine Cunha predeceased him. Del is survived by three children, Carol Fitzpatrick of Wareham, Mass., Daniel Gonsalves of Smyrna, Ga., and Robert Gonsalves of Carver, Mass. Seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also lovingly survive him.
At Del’s request funeral arrangements were private. His life will be celebrated by extended family members in their communities and at his final resting place in New Fairfield.
