PALM CITY, Fla. – Formerly from Naugatuck: It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we, the family of Joaquim "Jack" C. Lopes, share that he has passed away unexpectedly at home in Palm City, Fla., on Feb. 8, 2024, at the age of 88.

Jack was born in Barreiro, Portugal, on Feb. 20, 1935, and leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Maria Fernanda Lopes.

Before retiring in 1998, he worked as a construction laborer. He was a member and cook for the Naugatuck Clube Uniao Portuguesa Inc. and in his younger years, he was a singer in the Lee Gouveia Band. He always enjoyed singing his favorite Portuguese fados at family get-togethers.

Jack and Maria raised their family in Naugatuck and could always be found on the dance floor at festas and weddings. Every summer, they would travel to Portugal, and in retirement, they enjoyed many cruises to other countries.

Jack loved spending his time cooking for the family, walking, biking, and watching Portuguese soccer and tennis. Family was everything to Jack, and he was a proud dad, grandfather and devoted husband and caregiver until his last day.

In addition to his wife Maria, he leaves behind three children, Joaquim A. Lopes (Lynda), Augusto A. Lopes (Darlene), and Rosemary A. Stoner (Jeffrey); as well as six grandchildren, Gregory Lopes Sr., Alyssa Lopes, Kyle Lopes, Cole Lopes, Tyler Stoner, and Alex Stoner; four great-grandchildren, Gregory Jr., Tomas, Layton and Ella. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and longtime friends.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Jose, Joao and Manuel.

At his direction, there is no formal service, and a private celebration of life is being planned in Florida.

Friends who so desire may make memorial contributions in Jack's memory to the Naugatuck Portuguese Club, 110 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck, CT 06770.

A celebration of life will be on Friday, March 1st. from 3-5pm at Forest Hills Funeral Home, Palm city Florida.

Please feel free to share a remembrance or message of condolence with the family through this online guestbook.