Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Paul’s Church yesterday evening to commemorate the life of Anthony “Deuce” Fonseca ’04-’05, a Winthrop House resident who was found dead in his dorm room in an apparent suicide on Feb. 22.

The ceremony, which featured testimonials from friends and family, scripture readings and some of Fonseca’s favorite classical music, was organized by University officials and Winthrop House.

Fonseca, who would have turned 24 on March 9, was buried last Friday in his native state of Oklahoma.

“We’re here to celebrate his life,” Fonseca’s uncle, Eulises Chacón, said, “the life of Deuce—the scholar, the roommate, the housemate, the deejay, the director, the spelling bee competitor, the kid who read 106 books in the sixth grade.”

Chacón spoke last night on behalf of Fonseca’s parents, who were present at the service with his two brothers.

“He was an extraordinary son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, but most of all, a friend who is now in a better life,” Chacón said to those assembled, many of whom were crying.

An active and outgoing member of the Harvard community, Fonseca was remembered by friends and family for his magnetic personality and contributions to campus student groups.

Fonseca, an economics concentrator, was vice president of Harvard-Radcliffe Television (HRTV) and directed HRTV’s soap opera, “Ivory Tower.”

Mid-way through the ceremony Debra T. Mao ’05, president of HRTV, talked about Fonseca’s commitment to filmmaking, sharing a story about how he weathered freezing temperatures to reshoot a scene until it was perfect.

“He had a good eye for aesthetics and had knowledge of all the latest technology in the industry,” she said.

Mao also said that HRTV members would most miss Fonseca’s “great tell-it-like-it-is attitude, effortless charm and always genuine, beautiful mega-watt smile.”

Carlos J. Rojas ’04, who called Fonseca “just pure energy,” also mentioned Fonseca’s smile. “He walked in the door and took over instantaneously,” Rojas said. “He had the straightest, whitest teeth of any person I’ve ever met. Whenever he flashed them, we knew it was going to be a long night.”

Kristy E. Benoit ’04, a friend of Fonseca’s since his first year at Harvard, remembered Fonseca’s ability to make his friends feel appreciated. She recalled Fonseca’s spontaneity at a Catholic Students’ Association party last year.

“He was making sarcastic comments but then salsa music came on,” she said. “He pulled me to the dance floor and I told him, ‘no way.’ I was stepping on his toes, and he continued to spin me around. I remember laughing so much it hurt,” she said.

Benoit—who helped set up chairs for Sunday services with Benoit—recounted how Fonseca didn’t shake hands after Mass, as is custom, but would kiss her on both cheeks. “That simple act was just so genuine and so respectful,” she said. “He made us feel honored that we were his friends.”