- Date Of Birth: December 1, 1968
- Date Of Death: March 25, 2020
- State: Florida
Joao Joaquim DeBrito Jr.
December 3,1968 – March 25, 2020
Joao Joaquim DeBrito Jr.
“A Gift to be Treasured”
Amazing Athlete and an Incredible Human Being
Mr. Joao Joaquim DeBrito, 51, of 16357 SW 100 Terrace, Miami, FL, died Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Miami.
Joao was born December 3, 1968 in Vila de Ribeira Brava, Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde, son of Joao and Angelina (Gomes) DeBrito Sr. of Miami, FL. He and his family moved to Lisbon Portugal in 1971 and later to Waterbury CT in 1975. Joao graduated from Kaynor Tech High School Class of 1987 and from Southern Connecticut State University in 1991.
Joao was a four-year member of the Southern Connecticut men’s soccer team from 1987 through 1990. During his time, Joao led the Owls to the program’s first NCAA National Championship in 1987 and in 1990. Joao was the first SCSU men’s soccer student-athlete to record 30 assists in his career, finishing with 32 for the fourth-most in program history. He also scored 20 goals and ranks 16th all-time with 72 points.
Joao was a two-time NSCAA/United Soccer Coaches Association All-American, earning Second Team honors in 1988 and First Team honors in 1989. Upon his graduation, he made six appearances with the United States National Team in 1991-92 and with the US team at the 1993 World University Games.
Joao played professionally after his collegiate career and was taken in the Inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) Draft in 1996 by the New England Revolution. He also played for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards, Columbus Crew and the Dallas Burn.
Joao moved to Miami Fl. in 2002 and was employed with Orkin and Drew Estate LLC before he became a Firefighter for the Miami Dade Fire Department in August of 2008. His first Fire House was at Station 58 where he drove the Engine for 3 years. From then, he got a bid working between station 4, Station 14 and Station 50. Joao was a beloved and stellar Firefighter, Paramedic, Engine and Tanker Driver.
Joao also known as John, Johnny, John John, Johnny D or Joazim did not play when it came to his children, Jovan Joaquim DeBrito and Jasmine Paris DeBrito. He took pride in being an amazing father as he doted on their every need. Joao was devoted to his family and friends as he made great efforts to spend every minute, he had with them. He is an avid athlete and competitor who was great at anything he played. He was described as a humble, modest, kind, loving and unselfish individual who ushered in light and energy to every room he entered.
Joao was predeceased by his father, Joao Joaquim DeBrito Sr. and his brother Pedro Guilherme DeBrito. Besides his children and his mother, he is survived by his five sisters, Fernanda DeBrito of Naugatuck CT, Angela DeBrito-Job of Miami FL, Valeriana DeBrito of Rocky Hill CT, Vera DeBrito-Esdaile and her husband David of New Haven, CT and Maria Paula Camoes and her husband Jose of Cape Verde Islands, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and the Miami Dade Fire Department family.
