Naugatuck-Manuel R. Vilar, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on August 14, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.  He was husband of Maria Do Carmo (Tavares) Vilar for 61 years.

He was born in Rio Meao, Santa Maria De Feira, Portugal on April 28, 1933, son of the late Manuel Gomes and Maria Joaquina (De Jesus) Vilar.  Manuel immigrated from Portugal in 1967 and settled in Naugatuck with his family.  He was employed as a welder at Segres Iron Works for over 20 years until his retirement.

He was a communicant of both St. Francis of Assisi Church and Our Lady of Fatima Church.  He was a member of the Clube Uniao Portuguesa in Naugatuck.  He was an avid F.C. Porto soccer fan, and enjoyed fishing on his boat with his nephews and friends.  He especially loved spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife Maria, he leaves his family to honor his memory, daughters Maria C. Sousa of Naugatuck, Florence Cardoso (Armindo) of Southington, and Isabel Vilar of Naugatuck; his eight grandchildren: Gabriel C. Sousa, Jeffrey C. Sousa, Zhane and Simeon Parker, Tyler, Zack and Jordan Cardoso, and Kayla Williams; his brothers Americo and Fernando Vilar; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.  Manuel was predeceased by his siblings Joaquim Vilar, Emilia Pinho, Palmira Cardoso, Maria Isabel DaSilva and Rogerio Vilar.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 19, 2025 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street in Naugatuck.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin Street, Waterbury.  Burial will be in St. James Cemetery.  To send an on-line condolence or share a memory, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com