Soccer Star Fortunato Barbosa Pires Dies
Keefe Funeral Home
Soccer Star Fortunato Barbosa Pires Dies
Naco was born in the Island of Fogo, Cabo Verde to the late Jose Pires B Vicente and Josefina Barbosa Amado Vicente.
He was one of the greatest soccer players and goalkeepers of his time. He played professionally in Cabo Verde and Portugal before migrating to the United States. He was employed for many years at North East Cable until his retirement.
Naco was the husband of the late Noemi Matos who sadly passed away on December 28, 2021. He was the former husband of the late Maria B. Pires.
Naco loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was the father of Gilda Pires, Paulo Jorge, Silvana Monteiro and her husband Jason, Jose (Joey) Pires, and the late Eneida de Fatima Pires. He also leaves two stepdaughters, Wanda McElroy and Waleska Velez. He leaves his grandchildren whom he adored dearly, Xavier Monteiro, Mara, and Sara Lopes, Glen and Tyler Shelton, Davi Braganca, and the late Elio Rodrigues.
He is survived by three brothers, Gastao Pina Bulu of Cabo Verde, Arthur and John (Rarrau) Vicente of Pawtucket, and three sisters Joaquina Fonseca and Dr. Fatima Sousa of Portugal and Jesuina Depina of Pawtucket. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the name of Fortunato B. Pires.
Due to Covid, properly fitted masks are required. Thank you for your understanding at this time.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation which will be held at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, RI from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held directly at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 291 High St., Pawtucket, RI