Alfonso Pacheco

All that had the honor to know him recognized immediately how special of a man he was. His infectious smile would light up the room. His beautiful laugh would instantly lift your spirits.

Everything he undertook was done with total dedication. He set such an amazing example of hard work and professionalism he influenced those around him to follow his standards.

Alfonso, was born in Brownsville, Texas on December 17th,1948. Shortly thereafter his family moved back across the border to Matamoros, Mexico. He attended school in Brownsville where he and his siblings would walk across the border on a daily basis.

It was in St Joe’s Academy that he showed his expertise on the basketball court being named player of the year. In his senior year he injured his knee cutting short his dreams of playing on the college level.

However, his other passion was his love for swimming. Since St Joe’s didn’t have a swim team Alfonso joined Deportivo Matamoros, a private swim club. Winning medal upon medal Alfonso, became a true swimming icon. He was then recruited by the University of Texas Arlington. As a member of their swim team he was inducted into their Swimming Hall of Fame.

Upon graduation Alfonso got hired by IBM, married Sherry Philips and they had 3 beautiful daughters, Briana, Katrina, Sharai and 5 grandchildren. While the couple did divorce they remained friends. Alfonso has many siblings. Andres (Malu), Irma (Oscar), Margarita (Lalo), Cecilia (Victor) and Carlos (Marta) plus countless nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father Alfonso, mother Irma and sister Sylvia.

In 1989 Alfonso moved to the New York area with IBM and met Patricia Mastrota. They married and have lived in New Fairfield for over 30 years. Their lives together were filled with joy, laughter, family and friends.

His life took a turn in 2010 when he was stricken with an illness named Multiple System Atrophy.

It is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that slowly destroys the bodies ability to function.

Throughout his journey Alfonso never complained. He always carried himself with dignity, grace and the most beautiful smile. He was the consummate gentleman.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition.org

https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/ways-to-give/

A visitation for Alfonso will be Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, CT.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Saint Edward the Confessor Church, Brush Hill Rd., New Fairfield, CT. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.