José Joaquim De Brito - Titanic Universe

Who was José Joaquim de Brito?

José Joaquim de Brito was a 40 (forty) year-old Portuguese passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 16, 1871, in Loulé, San Clemente, Algarve, Portugal, he was a well-traveled individual with a background in commerce and banking. Tragically, Mr. de Brito lost his life in the Titanic disaster, leaving behind a legacy that touches on the international nature of the ship’s passengers and the far-reaching impact of the sinking.

Early Life and Family

José Joaquim de Brito was born to Franciso José Fonseca and Maria de Brito in the picturesque region of Algarve, Portugal. Standing at a modest height of 5'3", he was described as having grey eyes and brown hair. While details about his early life are limited, we know that he came from a family that would later depend on him for support.

“A young man was lost, leaving a dependent aged aunt in Portugal, working as a ‘servant without a salary,’ and his aged dependent father in Brazil.”

This poignant description from the Red Cross files highlights the importance of Mr. de Brito to his family and the tragic consequences of his untimely death.

Career and International Experience

Mr. de Brito’s professional life was marked by diversity and international exposure:

Worked for the Loja de Japao (Japanese Shop), which sold carnival costumes and exotic articles
Gained experience in the field of commerce in Italy
Spent two years with the banking firm of Pinto Leite & Nephews, with offices in Manchester, Liverpool, and London
Previously lived and worked in Sao Paulo, Brazil

His varied career demonstrates a man of ambition and adaptability, willing to cross oceans for new opportunities.

The Fateful Journey

Why was José Joaquim de Brito on the Titanic?

Mr. de Brito boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger. His journey was not merely a pleasure trip, but a step towards reuniting with his family. He was en route to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he had previously worked and lived, planning to join his family there after a stopover in New York.

Titanic Ticket Details:

Ticket Number: 244360
Class: Second Class
Price: £13

His last known address before boarding was that of Mr. Fred Duarte, 34 Mulgrave Street, Liverpool, suggesting he had been staying in England prior to his departure.

The Tragic Sinking and Aftermath

José Joaquim de Brito did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the age of 40 (forty), his life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

The impact of his loss was felt across continents:

A dependent aunt in Portugal was left without support
His aged father in Brazil became dependent on aid
The Red Cross intervened to provide financial assistance to the family

Red Cross Assistance

The Red Cross files provide insight into the international relief efforts following the Titanic disaster:

$100 was sent for emergency relief to the Red Cross Society in Brazil for the father’s benefit
A pension was recommended for the family
An appropriation of $1,400 was made to be administered by the local American consular agent

In total, $1,500 was allocated to assist Mr. de Brito’s dependents, highlighting the global response to the tragedy.

Legacy

José Joaquim de Brito’s story is a testament to the international nature of the Titanic’s passenger list. His life and death serve as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that made up the larger disaster. From Portugal to England, Italy to Brazil, Mr. de Brito’s journey reflects the interconnected world of the early 20th century and the dreams of those who sought to cross the Atlantic for a better life.

As we remember the Titanic, we must also remember the individuals like José Joaquim de Brito, whose personal stories add depth and humanity to the historical narrative of that fateful voyage.