Armindo V. Freitas

Armindo Freitas of New Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 25th in Danbury after a courageous battle with Gliosarcoma. Just as he dealt with all experiences in life, Mindo faced his illness with grace, strength, dignity, and surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in 1951 in Vila Franca da Serra, Portugal, Mindo came to Connecticut as a young child, went to Henry Abbott Technical School and graduated from Danbury High School. He began his career in the automotive industry initially as a painter, though he usually spent more time at the bar next door playing pool. Soon after, he “crossed over to the dark side” first as a field appraiser and eventually a supervisor at Aetna Life and Casualty, which later became Travelers.

Following his passion for anything automotive, Mindo ultimately became co-owner at Crossroads Auto Body, where he was a well-known figure in the community, a thorn to his former colleagues in the insurance industry, and mentor to his co-workers- daughter and nephew, regardless that he constantly switched their names. With an unparalleled zest for life, Mindo never let the trivial obstacles get him down, typically responding with the phrase “burning issues”, and always gave everything to help anyone, at any time. Whether customers, friends, family, or acquaintance, Mindo’s generosity, kindness and dedication was always present. When Mindo met his beautiful wife Nanda, he knew he found his soul mate and proposed after three weeks of dating – only to be told to forget the engagement ring and buy a house instead. Perfectly matched, together they created their dream.

As Mindo joked many times, once his daughter Danielle came along, he decided one was enough. His wit and incredible sense of humor was thankfully passed down to his daughter and granddaughter Ava and his spirit will live on through generations.

Mindo is survived by his beautiful wife of 41 years Fernanda, daughter Danielle and husband Jeremy Pessolano of Newtown, and beloved granddaughter, Ava (“Little One”). He also leaves behind his cherished little brother Antonio and sister-in-law Sharon (“Dr. Sherri”) of New Fairfield, sister Maria and husband Joaquim Pereira of Danbury, brother-in-law Dr. Fernando de Moura Pires of Chaves, Portugal, sisters-in-law Emilia Fernandes and Edite Farias of Danbury, and Dina Moura of Chaves, Portugal.

Mindo is also survived by nephews James and wife Stacey of Brookfield, son Zachary Morris and daughter Leila; Adam and wife Amanda of New Fairfield and littlest Freitas, son Nathan; Dr. Luís de Moura of Lisbon, Portugal and Dr. Nuno de Moura of Lisbon, Portugal; and nieces Dr. Raquel Moura of Lisbon, Portugal and Alexandra Freitas and fiancé CJ Ferris of Bridgewater.

Mindo is predeceased by his parents, Manuel and Virginia Freitas, in-laws João and Nazaré Farias, half-brother Anibal Freitas, half-sister Connie Da Cunha, brother-in-law Dr. José de Moura Pires and sister-in-law Glória Fernandes Moura.

A man that asked for nothing but always gave everything, he will live on in our hearts, minds, prayers and laughs forever.

A celebration of a life well-lived and hefting defiant middle finger to cancer will be held on Thursday, September 9th from 4:00 to 8:00PM at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Hancock Hall Residents’ Fund, 31 Staples Street, Danbury and to please raise a glass in Mindo’s honor with your loved ones.