Candido Gomes, 77, of Shelton, beloved husband of Isaura Lucia Dos Santos Gomes, died February 8 at Bridgeport Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born in Vila Do Conde, Portugal, August 20, 1936, he was a son of Mario Gomes and Delfina Rosa Riobom.

In addition to his devoted wife of 53 years, survivors include his loving daughters Marilia Cerreta, and her husband Shawn, of Newtown and Maria Gaspar, and her husband Jose, of Shelton; brothers Helder, Manuel, Antenor, and Mario Gomes; sisters Isolete Andrade, Adelina Oliveira, and Teresa Couto; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A brother, Fernando Gomes, predeceased him.

Mr Gomes was enlisted in the Portuguese Navy for four years and then began his career as a carpenter in Portugal. He moved to the United States in 1980 and worked with the City of Bridgeport Housing Authority as a carpenter for many years before his retirement.

His passions were watching his favorite team, Benfica, play soccer and dancing. He was happy when he was surrounded by his family and friends. He always lifted himself up and not only carried on, but lived his life so joyously. Even in his last few years at Maefair nursing home, although family found it tough to see him like that, he was a joy to be with.

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, February 12, at 10:30 am, at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 11 am, in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Bridgeport, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call Wednesday morning, from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford CT 06492. To light a virtual candle, visit abriola.com.