Rui Manuel Pacheco
July 12, 1968 – June 28, 2025

It is with great sadness and even greater love that we announce the passing of Rui Manuel Pacheco, 56, of Toledo, Portugal, who left us on June 28, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him.

Born on July 12, 1968, in Portugal, Rui left his homeland and loved ones at a young age to seek a better life for himself in the United States. Rui was taken in and provided with opportunities, thanks to the support of Valdemar Esteves Sr. and his family, who helped him start anew. Rui had a passion for living life to the fullest that was contagious. From an early age, he knew how to light up a room with a laugh, a story, or a spontaneous dance move. To know Rui was to know joy, energy, and someone who never turned down a good time.

A lifelong soccer fan, Rui could often be found in front of the TV, passionately cheering on Benfica and Portugal's National Team. Whether it was playing on the Vasco de Gama soccer league or yelling at a ref through the screen, soccer wasn't just a hobby—it was part of who he was.

He brought the same passion to his relationships—fiercely loyal to friends and family, and always ready with a toast or a joke to lift everyone's spirits. Always willing to lend a hand, with either repairing a dent or a scratch for someone in need.

Rui is lovingly survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Joana Andrade; his sons, David and Danny Pacheco; and his mother, Maria Virgínia da Conceição. He is also survived by his brother, Luís António Pacheco, his wife, Sílvia Martins, and their children, Tiago and Tamara Pacheco; and by his sister, Ana Cristina Pacheco, her husband, Nuno Santos, and their son, Guilherme Silva.

Rui will also be remembered by his parents-in-law, António and Silvina Andrade; his sister-in-law, Teresa Andrade; his brother-in-law, Nelson Vieira; and his nephew, Gonçalo Vieira. He was preceded in death by his father, José Sousa Pacheco, and his brother, José Francisco Pacheco.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dennis & D'Arcy - Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford, CT. A Funeral Mass in honor of Rui's life will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. James Church, 2070 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615, followed by Christian Burial at Nichols Farm Cemetery, 10 Cemetery Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611.

In place of flowers, contributions to support the family during this time can be made via GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/49279725. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated.

Though we mourn the loss of Rui, we celebrate the legacy of someone who lived loudly, loved deeply, and left this world a lot brighter—and more fun—than he found it.