Manuel dos Santos Chaves, 90, of Norwalk, beloved husband of 68 years to Autilia Lopes Chaves, died peacefully March 11. Born February 6, 1928, in Milford, Mass., he was the youngest of three children born to the late Rosalia Joaquina and Antonio dos Santos Chaves.

In addition to his wife, his three children and their spouses, Tony Chaves and Elisabeth Sharron of Newtown, Francisca and Antonio Monteiro of Norwalk, and Idalina and Daniel Caruso of Norwalk; three grandchildren, Tina Monteiro Tynes and her husband Jason Tynes of Northford, Amelia Monteiro of Norwalk, and Kimberly Chaves of Newtown; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews survive him.

Besides his parents, his sisters, Jesuina Esteves and Idalina Pires, predeceased him.

Mr Chaves returned to Portugal as a child with his family during the depression of the late 1920s. He was raised in the rural town of Ardaos where he farmed, raised livestock, and made wine. Ardaos is where he met and married his beloved wife, Autilia.

He returned to the United States in 1960 to give his family a better life. He worked at Deering Construction for more than 20 years and was a proud member of the local Laborers Union. He enjoyed working in his garden and tending to his bees.

Family and friends may call at Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, on Wednesday, March 14, from 6 to 8 pm.

A funeral service will be celebrated Thursday, March 15, at 10 am, at St Philip Church, 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk. Interment will follow at St John's Cemetery, Norwalk.

To sign an online guestbook, visit magnerfuneralhome.com.