Miguel Fontes

Miguel “Nona” Fontes (79), of Brockton, MA, passed away on the morning of December 31, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Son of the late Jose C. Fontes and Anna Eugenia (Rodrigues) Fontes. Nona is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Maria “Socorro” (Ribeiro) Fontes, his children; Miguel “Larry” Fontes and his wife Ilda, Jose “Tommy” Fontes and his wife Elida, Ana “Nonita” Fontes-Fernandes, Kelly DosSantos and her husband Jorge DosSantos.

Nona was born on March 10, 1940 in Fogo, Cape Verde. As the son of a teacher he loved to read and write letters to his family all around the world. He joined the Portuguese military in 1961 where he honorably served.  He married his wife on July 31st, 1970 in Lisbon, Portugal. When he joined her in the United States they lived in Scituate before moving to Brockton in 1973. Nona was a respected member of his community. He was a man of faith, an active parishioner at St. Margaret’s Church in Brockton. He was a Godfather to many that he mentored.

Nona loved soccer which he played in his youth in Cape Verde; he enjoyed following his favorite team Benfica. Nona loved music, especially Morna. He was an excellent cook and baker, making beautiful specialty wedding cakes for family and friends. Nona loved to entertain and spend time with those that he loved. He had a sense of humor and he would often create nicknames for his family.

Nona worked at General Dynamics at the Quincy Shipyard for many years. He also worked at Christo’s Restaurant in Brockton as a cook. He was adored for his hard work and friendliness. After retirement, Nona enjoyed caring for his grandchildren and traveling to visit his family in Cape Verde and Portugal.

Nona’s pride and joy were his family. He was a cherished grandfather to 12 grandchildren; Gabrielle Fontes, Issiah Fontes, Jayden DosSantos, Lazarus Fontes, Ava DosSantos, Mylee DosSantos, Zoe Fernandes, Zion Fernandes, Elida Fontes, Jonah DosSantos, Celena Vieira, Deja Vieira.

Loyal brother of the late Cristianinho Fontes and Eugenia Gonsalves; Also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

Nona was always the type of man who would be the first to help those in need. Although he knew that Parkinson's disease along with Dementia would eventually deprive him of his physical abilities and memories, he strived to remain that caring man. The lesson that he taught his family was to live life to its fullest, to have compassion for others and to show love for one another. Nona’s family gave him the loving care he deserved for the past 10 years. He lived with dignity and grace until his peaceful passing. Nona will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 5-8 PM at George Lopes Funeral Home, 647 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 10 AM, at St. Edith Stein Church, 71 East Main Street, Brockton. Burial will follow to Melrose Cemetery in Brockton.

To leave condolences for the family visit www.georgelopesfuneralhome.com

Arrangements entrusted to George Lopes Funeral Home, 647 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 

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