Arlindo do Val, 85,
Arlindo do Val, 85,
passed away peacefully late Sunday night, surrounded by family at Milford Regional Medical Center, after a long illness. Mr. do Val was a resident of Milford for over 40 years after immigrating to the United States from his native Portugal in 1963. Prior to leaving his hometown of Boticas, Mr. do Val operated a department store, acted as a representative for Banco Pinto Souto Mayor, and participated in local and national politics. As a young man in Portugal he was recognized as one of the top soccer players and was recruited to play professionally, but declined due to his commitment to family and business.
Upon moving to Milford, he lived with his family for a short time in “The Heights” and worked at the Draper Corporation in Hopedale. He later owned and operated his own shoe store on Central Street in Milford. Mr. do Val’s desire to help the Portuguese community motivated him to become a notary public so that he could facilitate sponsorship papers and consular documents for local funeral homes. He then became the “Voz de Portugal” hosting his own radio program on 1490 WMRC for more than 20 years. The Portuguese language, live broadcasted, radio show discussed current events, sports and let people enjoy some of his favorite Portuguese music. In 2003, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for his bravery in the rescue of neighbors from a house fire. In 2009, Mr. do Val was honored for his role in the Portuguese community and awarded the Heritage Day of Portugal award at the Massachusetts State House. The award was sponsored and presented to him by Rep. John Fernandes, in the House of Representatives chamber at the State House with the Portuguese Parliament president present.
Arlindo is survived by his family including his wife Ondina (Andre) do Val and three children, son A. Jose and daughter in law Pattie, daughter Orlanda and son in law Joseph Capuzziello Jr., and daughter Maria and son in law John Morte, all of Milford; his grandchildren Victoria Morte, J. Alexander Morte, PJ do Val and her husband Michael Sperry and Noressa Santomenna and her husband Dustin Santomenna; a great grandchild Mia Rose Santomenna; brother Candido Malheiros do Val and wife Elvira, and sister Isabel Malheiros do Val both of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil along with many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 from the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 AM at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery on Cedar Street in Milford.