SFC Diclecio A. Dos Anjos

Sergeant First Class Diclecio A. Dos Anjos, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, age 45, of Raynham, passed away on August 9, 2023. Diclecio was the beloved husband of Jessica Dos Anjos and cherished father of his son, Adilson, and daughter, Vanessa. Diclecio was the loving son of Anildo and Maria Dos Anjos and dear brother of Carlos Dos Anjos, Flavio Correia, Arlete Pierce and Artimiza Dos Anjos. Diclecio also leaves many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends to mourn his passing.

Diclecio proudly served his country for over 15 years while assigned to the Massachusetts Army National Guard. In 2012, he deployed as a Combat Medic to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In recognition of his heroic and lifesaving efforts during deployment, Diclecio was awarded the Combat Medical Badge, the Army Accommodation Medal with a “V” device for valor, and a Purple Heart for wounds received in action. Following the deployment, Diclecio continued to be recognized for distinguished service with several other awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal.

Born in Sal, Cabo Verde, Diclecio was extremely proud of his family and Cape Verdean roots. He had fond childhood memories growing up in Brockton with his siblings and cousins. Some of his memorable childhood moments include watching the Simpsons, wrestling matches, riding bicycles and delightful summer evenings at Houghton's Pond and Nantasket beach. Diclecio served as an altar boy at St. Margaret’s Church and attended the Mass Migrant Education Program with his siblings. During his high school years, he enrolled in ROTC and played in soccer matches alongside his brothers and cousins.

In 1999, Diclecio met his wife Jessica and became a dedicated father to their two children, Adilson and Vanessa. One of his greatest joys was being a dad. He worked nights at FedEx for many years to take care of their children during the day; Diclecio was an unwavering caregiver and a steadfast role model, proficiently imparting his wisdom and nurturing his children's independence. His passion for automobiles and motorcycles manifested in teaching Adilson the mechanics of car repair, learning how to drive a manual transmission on his RX8 and ride motorcycles. Diclecio also channeled his passion for soccer into coaching Vanessa's soccer team, and when Vanessa pursued club soccer, he diligently took her to practices and matches and engaged in insightful post-match analyses during their car rides home. Diclecio was also a gifted artist and supported Vanessa by creating the logo for her brand. Diclecio held a profound fondness for family moments; every year he looked forward to camping, hiking, apple picking, fish and chips at Castle Island, fire pits, cooking big breakfasts and routine trips to Vermont. His commitment to fatherhood and spousal partnership was evidenced by his steadfast moral and value-based guidance, he was immensely proud of his children.

Diclecio continued to hold an extremely close bond with his extended family; he called his parents every day, visited them frequently and he was the go-to person for medical advice. Diclecio loved spending time with his nephews and nieces; he looked forward to date night every Thursday, cousins night, celebrations and rarely missed an event. Diclecio was extremely important to a multitude of people; he experienced great satisfaction in helping others and remained a committed friend through good times and bad. His magnetic personality drew people towards him, making acquaintance with him a privilege. 

Diclecio had a unique style unlike anyone else. He always required multiple outfit changes prior to leaving the house, with a shoe collection to match. He exerted an enormous amount of energy and was effortlessly the life of the party. He loved to dance, sing and have a good time; his contagious smile would light up the room. Diclecio had an enormous heart and treated everyone with kindness and respect; his charismatic, fearless, authentic nature is what made him a phenomenal leader. No one will ever come close to filling his shoes. May his memory forever live on in our hearts as we honor the legacy of a courageous, loving man who brought happiness to everyone he touched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 25th from 4-8 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton; Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 26th at 10 a.m. at St. Edith Stein Church, 71 E. Main St, Brockton (meet directly at the church) and burial with full military honors in Calvary Cemetery, 163 N. Cary St., Brockton. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Military Friends Foundation. An organization that means a great deal to our family; online at MilitaryFriends.org or send to Military Friends Foundation, 212 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, MA 01907

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