Francisco Vieira Estrela, 81, of Pawtucket passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 25, 2024. Born in Sao Miguel, Azores Portugal on January 3, 1943, to the late Francisico Vieira Estrela and the late Filomena Cabral. He was predeceased by his brother Augustine Estrela and sisters Maria Dias, Christina Dias, Clothida Costa and Rosa DaLuz.

He was the beloved husband of Maria Teresa (Resendes) Estrela. Their loving marriage spanned over 57 years. He was the loving father of 3 sons Luis Estrela and wife Patricia, Joe Estrela and wife Jane, and Robert Estrela and wife Kim and 3 daughters the late Louisa Daluz and husband Jose, Theresa Daluz and husband Messias and Michelle Clifford and husband Mark. A proud grandfather, his legacy lives on through his 15 grandchildren; Kristen, Brandon, Nathan, Justin, Devon, Austin, Amanda, Justine, Nicholas, Makayla, Rachel, Lucas, Sydney, Caitlyn and Alexander as well as his 5 great grandchildren; Madison, Haley, Eliana, Ryan and Adrian. He was a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Francisco immigrated to the United States at the age of 35. He worked for American Insulated Wire as a Machine Mechanic until his retirement. As a devout parishioner of St. Anthony Church in Pawtucket, he was deeply involved in church activities. Francisco was a member of the Espirito Santo for St. Anthony Church for a decade. He participated in the St. Anthony’s Romeiros, a recreation of a traditional religious pilgrimage on Sao Miguel Island for many years. Francisco was known as a musician since boyhood. He played saxophone in the Azores for the Filarmonica Progresso do Norte. He was a member of the St. Anthony Church Band, Nova Alianca since its inception 30 years ago. During this time he was a musician and devoted teacher. He taught his children, grandchildren and numerous youngsters how to play music connecting them to their Azorean roots.

Family meant everything to Francisco, especially his children and grandchildren. He continuously prayed for their good health, success and happiness. He brought so much love and joy to his family. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and was happiest when they were together. His favorite pastimes, aside from band, was working in his garden and his many projects around the house.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 30th 2024 from 2pm-5pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave. Lincoln. His funeral will begin on Monday, July 1st 2024 from the Keefe Funeral Home starting at 8:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Church, 32 Lawn Ave. Pawtucket at 10am. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Riverside RI.