Fernando Gomes Araújo

Fernando Gomes Araújo, 69, passed away at home on October 18, 2015, after living with cancer for the past fifteen years. He was born in Santo Emilião, Portugal, the son of the late Rosa Gomes Araújo. He served his native country in the Portuguese Marines before immigrating to the United States in 1971. He became a United States citizen in 1977. Fernando worked as an electrician for over 20 years before retiring in 2012. Fernando enjoyed making his own wine, spending as much time as he could with his family, following European soccer, and explaining to all that most good things in the world originated in Portugal. He was an avid do-it-yourselfer who enjoyed spending time tinkering in his workshop. He loved soccer and most recently played for the Velha Guarda in Hartford. Fernando was musically talented and treated his family and friends to beautiful music on his harmonica, guitar or with his singing. He wrote and sang original songs that primarily celebrated his beloved homeland, Portugal. Fernando is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Joaquina (Jackie), who cared for him tirelessly during the final weeks of his life. He is also survived by his four children, Elizabeth, Steve and his wife Jennifer, James, and Mark, as well as his two grandchildren, Ethan and Abigail who dearly loved their vôvô. In addition, Fernando is survived by two brothers, Abilio and Belarmino, and three sisters, Carmzinda, Zulmira, and Lourdes, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, especially Joseph and Susan Ribeiro and José and Maria Paz whom he was particularly close to. Fernando was predeceased by a sister, Maria Fernanda, and a brother, José. The family would like to thank all of their friends and extended family for their love and support during the last several weeks.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Kane Street, Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Family and friends may call on Thursday morning prior to the Mass, from 8-9 a.m., at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. To share a memory of Fernando with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.