Abel Carvalho, Jr

Inspiration To Many

Abel Carvalho, Jr, 73, husband of Joan (Herrick) Carvalho, died February 25, at his home in Newtown, following an inspiring 11-year battle with prostate cancer.

He was born in Danbury on October 22, 1933, son to Abel and Amelia (Coelho) Carvalho, Sr.

He graduated from the University of Bridgeport in 1964 with a BS degree in business administration followed by two years of legal studies at the New York Law School.

Mr Carvalho retired from the Southern New England Telephone Company in 1987 after a 22-year career, but his true passion was his 50-year career in the western Connecticut real estate industry, first working independently, then as a broker at the Goodfellow-Ashmore Agency, and most recently as principal of Abel Carvalho, Jr, Real Estate.

His civic activities reflected his interests: a former president of the Danbury Board of Realtors, a Certified Commercial Investment Member, and past president of the Commercial Investment Division. Within his work, he taught his children the virtues of honesty, frankness, and thoroughness.

Mr and Mrs Carvalho were avid motor homers and enjoyed membership in various national and local motor home clubs.

Yet his most inspirational efforts came within his personal life, in which he mirrored the unconditional love of his wife to not only his marriage, but to his entire family. His long battle with cancer offered a clear example to not only his Prostate Support Group at Anne’s Place, but to many others that an illness does not have to limit life; instead, its management can only strengthen resolve, inspire an active life, and tighten bonds of love and friendship.

Mr Carvalho is survived by his wife of almost 50 years; his daughter Tracy; son Blaine; sister Alice; and brothers, Nelson, Norman, Edward, and Raymond and their respective families.

There will be no calling hours. Memorial services will be private.

Contributions in memory of Abel Carvalho, Jr are requested to be made to the Connecticut VNA, 237 East Aurora Street, Waterbury CT 06708 or to New Milford Hospital, Department of Oncology, 21 Elm Street, New Milford CT 06776.

The Newtown Bee        March 2, 2007