Laurentino F. Rodrigues

Laurentino Ferreira Rodrigues, 90, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Venilia Correira de Sousa Rodrigues, passed away peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Laurentino was born in Portugal on June 20, 1934, to the late Manuel Macedo Rodrigues and Julia Ferreira da Silva. He was one of twelve children, three of whom were lost as infants. In his early 20s, he lost his father and as the eldest male he became the father figure to his youngest siblings. Laurentino had an interesting life journey moving to different countries in pursuit of a better life. At age 19 he traveled via boat to Mozambique, a Portuguese colony at the time, where he served in the Portuguese Army. There he married his elementary school friend, Venilia Correira de Sousa and they gave birth to two daughters Carla Maria and Isabel Maria. During civil war in Mozambique, he fled with his family to Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, a British colony at the time, leaving behind a newly built home that he never moved into and all his possessions. In 1976, again due to civil unrest, he moved back to his country of origin, Portugal, where he had to start life over again for his family. Life was difficult and he didn't see a future for his children in his native country and so in 1980, with the help of family, he immigrated to the United States under a work visa as a potter - his craft and family trade. While pottery was a craft he learned growing up, it was not a means for him to support his family and with the help of his cousin Joe he found work in a factory. He worked at the Wiremold Company as a packer until he retired at age 65. Laurentino moved to the States a year ahead of his wife and children where he worked two jobs and was able to save enough money for an apartment for his family in Hartford. In 1985, he bought and moved into his first home in Hartford and later settled in Wethersfield where he lived until the day he died. In these homes, you would find beautiful vegetable gardens, peach trees that he planted from the pit of a peach, canopies of grape vines, and homemade wine. You might also find chickens and rabbits. If he wasn't gardening and spending time with family, you would find him either singing with the church choir or watching his favorite soccer team, Sporting FC. Laurentino will be remembered for his courage and sacrifice in pursuit of a better life for his children. While his life's journey took him to many places, his mother country Portugal had his heart. He cherished his yearly vacations to be reunited with siblings, family and friends. He loved life and fought hard until his last days when he passed away with both daughters on either side of him, holding his hands and singing his favorite Fado song to him. Alongside his wife, Venilia, Laurentino leaves behind his children Carla Hawkins and husband David, Isabel Reilly and husband Joe, his grandchildren Kelsey, Michael & Isabel Hawkins and Joey, Carly, Lenna & Johnny Reilly. He is also survived by brothers and sisters Carlos da Silva Rodrigues, Joaquim da Silva Rodrigues, Maria Manuela da Silva Rodrigues and Jorge da Silva Rodrigues. He was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters; Maria Julia da Silva Rodrigues, Maria José da Silva Rodrigues, Maria da Conceicào da Silva Rodrigues, Francisco da Silva Rodrigues, Orlanda da Silva Rodrigues, Orlanda da Silva Rodrigues & Carlotta da Silva Rodrigues. Friends and relatives are invited to call on the Rodrigues family on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Laurentino will follow at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Fatima Square, 50 Kane Street, Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Laurentino's memory to Hartford HealthCare at Home at https://www.nfggive.org/donation/06-0646938. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit FarleySullivan.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Laurentino, please visit our Tree Store.