John Chipelo

Naugatuck, CT John F. Chipelo, 71, husband of Maria “Connie” Chipelo, died peacefully on September 13, 2023 at his home after a brief battle with cancer.

John was born October 29, 1951 in Monte, Murtosa, Portugal a son of the late João and Carolina Chipelo. John graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1970. He then attended Quinnipiac University, before transferring to UConn, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. John also attended the University of Coimbra in Portugal for a summer program on a scholarship. He worked in the construction industry for many years, retiring in 2019.

John was a dedicated member of Clube Uniao Portuguesa. He played soccer for the club and loved to talk about his contributions to their championship winning team. John was also a huge fan of FC Porto Soccer, often watching games with friends at the club or listening to them on the radio. John loved passionately debating politics over leisurely dinners or cups of coffee. In recent years, he enjoyed cooking “leitão” for his friends and family as a hobby. He would often wind through the back roads of Connecticut with his wife, finding new restaurants to try. In the summers, he enjoyed spending time at the beach, where he would swim in the ocean and go crabbing with his grandchildren.

In addition to Connie, his loving wife of 47 years, John is survived by his daughter, Karla McClain, her husband Scott and their children, Lori and Hunter of Cromwell, CT; his son John M. Chipelo and his wife, Christie and their children, Juliana, Olivia and Luke of Southington, CT; his sister and brother in law, Maria and Jose Vieira of St. Augustine, FL; his brother and sister in law, Jose and Kathy Chipelo of Torrington, CT; sisters in law Rosa Chipelo and Ligia Chipelo of Naugatuck, CT. He also leaves beloved Nata sisters in law, brothers in law and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brothers, Antonio Chipelo and Alfredo Chipelo.

The Chipelo family would Iike to thank VITAS and John’s nurse Allison for the exceptional care and comfort they provided to John.

Per John’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or formal funeral service. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and to honor John’s memory, donations are requested to Clube Uniao Portuguesa, 110 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770 or to Vitas Healthcare, 199 Park Road Ext., Suite 102, Middlebury, CT 06762.