In Loving Memory of Emidio "Emilio" Antonio Vieira Rodrigues

53 years old

September 4, 1971 - December 17, 2024

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Emidio "Emilio" Antonio Vieira Rodrigues, who left us on December 17, 2024, at the age of 53. Emilio was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, cherished friend, and a source of joy and love to all who knew him.

Born on September 4, 1971, in Fogo, Cabo Verde, Emilio was the son of Marcelino "Chalezinho" Rodrigues and Manuela Viera and was later raised by stepmother Maria "Panota" Rodrigues. He grew up in Boston, MA, where he developed a lifelong passion for music. Those who knew him in his younger years remember him as a devoted lover of music, a jokester, and someone you can always count on. He later moved to his forever home of New Bedford with his life partner Serena Solange Silva Andrade.

Emilio worked as a craftsman for many years and was deeply respected by colleagues and peers for his dedication, integrity, and the care he put into everything he did. He was the kind of person who could always be counted on-whether in his professional life or in his personal relationships. Beyond his work, he had a passion for music. He was a self-taught musician and especially loved playing his keyboard and drum set. In his youth years, you could find him singing at local bars surrounded by some of his closest friends and bandmates. His generosity of spirit touched the lives of many.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Serena Andrade; three children, Liliana Rodrigues King and Elelyana and Evandro Rodrigues; his son-in-law Michael King; two grandchildren, Nicolas and Joseph King; his siblings, Antonio Rodrigues, Lilizita Monteiro, Lisa Rodrigues, Paulino Rodrigues, Kennedy Pina, Jose Viera de Pina, Eugenio Varela, and Benjamin Varela; many nieces and nephews that will always remember him as Uncle Milo; and a host of many extended family and friends. Each of us will carry a piece of his heart with us, cherishing the love and memories he gave so freely.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, from 2pm-6pm.  His Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 230 Bonney Street, New Bedford, MA 02744.  Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join us in remembering a man whose love and presence touched so many lives. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

If you would like to offer support to the family during this challenging time, please feel free to reach out to Jessica Andrade at 508-496-9971 for more information. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated.

While we grieve his passing, we find comfort in knowing that Emilio's legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in each of us. We will forever cherish the time we spent with him, and his memory will remain in our hearts, always.