NAUGATUCK — Geronimo Maneca, 87, died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 in his home surrounded by his family.
Jeronimo was born on Nov. 11, 1924 in Woonsocket, R.I. His mother was Felermine Provenca, step mother was Maria and father was Manuel Maneca.
Jeronimo retired from Uniroyal after 25 years of service. He was an active and second oldest member of the Clube Uniao Portuguesa of Naugatuck for 65 years, since 1946. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Church of Waterbury. Jeronimo loved his walks and concerts on the Green, but mostly enjoyed his family parties and holiday gatherings. Food was always the focus of the festivities and top on his list was a steaming bowl of soup, bacalhau, a glass of red wine, a hot dog (the longer the better) and dessert-chocolate preferred. He was loved by friends and family, many of which he assisted in immigrating to the United States.
He touched many lives and will forever be remembered for his kindness and undeniably endearing smile.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Maria Luiza Maneca. Together they developed a large and loving family. Jeronimo has three daughters, Maria Turrisi and her spouse Andrea of Newington; Anita Lavado and her spouse John of Prospect; Leonor Nascimento and her spouse Rui of Bristol, and two sons, John Maneca and his wife Sandy of Waterbury and Joseph Maneca and his wife Donna of Torrington. Jeronimo had 11 grandchildren, Mauro Turrisi, Andria Miller, Jennifer and Jonathan Lavado, Michele Hager, Kristin Maneca, Jeremy, Daniel, Nicole Nascimento, Amber Borges and Joseph Maneca; seven great-grandchildren, Andrea, Alexander and Julianna Turrisi, and Joshua and Samantha Miller, Ava Nascimento and Vina Hager, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by in-laws, Maria Palmira Maneca, Maria da Luz Vinagre, both of Naugatuck, Lourdes and Antonio Araujo of Florida, Beatriz Fernandes of Portugal, and Fernando Marques of Naugatuck.
The family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who cared for Jeronimo throughout the year including Glendale Center, VITAS Hospice, Maria Fonseca, Cecilia Guerschi and all the other home care providers.
The funeral will be held on Monday, Dec. 5, at 10:15 a.m. from the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin St., Waterbury. Burial will be in Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In his memory, contributions can be made to: Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, CT 06706, The C.U.P Memorial Scholarship, 110 Rubber Ave, Naugatuck, CT 06770, or VITAS Hospice, 1579 Straits Turnpike, Suite C, Middlebury CT 06762.
For more information and to place online condolences, visit www.buckmillerbrothers.com.