Fiorino & Thereza Magnifico

Fiorino “Fiore” Magnifico

April 10, 1932 - February 24, 2023

Thereza Magnifico

May 27, 1925 - February 25, 2023

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them

Fiorino “Fiore” Magnifico, 90, of Danbury, devoted husband of Thereza (Matarezzi) Magnifico, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday, February 24. He was born in Riccia Campobasso, Italy on April 10, 1932, son of the late Florindo and Carmela (Martina) Magnifico. Not to be left behind without her devoted husband, Thereza Magnifico, 97, of Danbury, passed away peacefully at home the following day, Saturday, February 25. She was born in São Paulo, Brazil on May 27,1925, daughter of the late Jacintho and Maria (Ciarlarelli) Matarezzi.

Danbury residents since the ‘50s, Fiorino and Thereza established themselves as pillars of the community with decades of business ownership including Our Place Cafe and Magnifico’s restaurants. Long after retirement they continued to wear the chef’s hat preparing delicious meals for family and friends alike. Their tomato sauce, Italian dressing, and braciole recipes were ones for the history books.

To call Fiorino an avid soccer fan would be an understatement. For him soccer was oxygen, and he was known to never miss a single international soccer match and notoriously cheer on the losing team. Baseball was not to be left behind as Fiorino was a lifetime fan of the NY Mets. By his side was his lovely wife, Thereza, with her warm sense of humor always laughing and choosing to do anything but watch soccer or baseball. Football was her true passion; one might even argue Joe Montana was her second husband. Born before the discovery of penicillin, Thereza was present for many historical events, but she was most delighted that she had outlived Queen Elizabeth AND Betty White.

Married for nearly 65 years, they both enjoyed a long, complete, and rich life which included retirement in Florida and many trips to their home countries of Italy and Brazil. They were warm, kind-hearted, and caring people with a circle of family and friends that spanned the globe. Family and friends were everything to them and they would do anything to bring happiness or a helping hand to everyone.

Fiorino and Thereza are survived by their three daughters; Carmella Ferreira, Maria Vilardo and her husband David Vilardo, and Nazareth Magnifico. Their six grandchildren; Magno Ferreira, Arthur Dacruz, Erika Dacruz, Francesca Golightly, Izabella Ferreira, and Nathan Sterry. Their one great granddaughter; Liliana Daniel. Fiorino is also survived by a brother Carmen Magnifico and his wife, Rosa, of Italy, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fiorino was predeceased by his brothers, Michele Magnifico and Arduino Magnifico and his sister Lorenza Geremia. Thereza was predeceased by her brothers Joao Matarezzi and Osvaldo Matarezzi. 

A celebration of life for both Fiorino and Thereza will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Danbury Memorial Funeral Home (117 South Street, Danbury, CT) calling hours from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Church of St. Peter’s (104 Main Street, Danbury, CT). 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:  Connecticut Foodshare, 2 Research Parkway Wallingford, CT 06492

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fiorino & Thereza Magnifico, please visit our floral store.