Arthur Hilario, Sr, 86, longtime owner of Hilario’s Service Center on Mt Pleasant Road in Newtown, died peacefully in his home, September 21. He was born December 1, 1926, in New Bedford, Mass., son of Germana Moura Hilario and Abilio A. Hilario.

Mr Hilario was raised in Portugal, immigrated to the United States at the young age of 19, and worked hard all his life. He began his career plastering walls and went on to become a mason and building contractor, building many beautiful homes in the surrounding areas. In 1976, he bought what is now well known as Hilario's Service Center, for which he will be remembered by many for his endless years of hard work, right up until his time.

He married the love of his life, Silbina Simoes, in 1952 and shared 56 years of marriage before her death in 2008. Together they raised three children, Paul Hilario of Newtown, Arthur Hilario, Jr, of New Milford, and Barbara Ann Iapaluccio of New Milford. Survivors also include his daughter-in-law Jenny Hilario; son-in-law Bobby Iapaluccio; four sisters, Ezara Longo of Portugal, Olinda Pires of Danbury, Alice Henriques of Massachusetts, and Maria Gomes of Danbury; his grandchildren, Jessica March, John Pratt, Tara Pratt, Arty Hilario, Brad Hilario, Ben Iapaluccio, Shelby Hilario, Kiki Iapaluccio, Veronica Hilario, Gabriella Hilario, and Dylan Hilario; four great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. His brother Eduardo Hilario predeceased Mr Hilario.

He will be sadly missed by his family and his many dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Saturday, September 28, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 49 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury. Entombment will be in the Saint Peter Cemetery Mausoleum, Danbury. The family will receive friends at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, Friday, September 27, from 5 to 8 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 38 Richards Avenue, Norwalk CT 06854 or to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, PO Box 5022, Wallingford CT 06492.