Joe Gilbert Freitas

Joe "Gilberto" Freitas was born in Terceira, Azores on March 18, 1949 and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 21, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 63. His strong Catholic faith and devotion to our Lord gave him remarkable strength.

Gilbert, as he was called by many, grew up in the Azores and immigrated to the United States in 1967 at age 17. His family settled in San Jose and eventually Santa Clara where he lived for the past 42 years. He recently retired from Lockheed Martin after 26 years of service. Gilbert enjoyed gardening and was an avid marathon runner. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Celerina of Santa Clara, daughter Elsie Wolfe (Keith) of Pleasanton, and son Michael Freitas (Tasha) of Santa Clara. He is also survived by his mother Claudina Freitas of Santa Clara, brother John Arnold (Fatima) of Turlock, sister Phyllis Ritter (Ken) of Santa Clara, and sister Alice Teixeira (John) of Santa Clara. Very dear to his heart are his 5 grandchildren: Brianna, Bryan, Isaac, Caleb and Chloe.

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 5 to 9 pm with a Rosary at 7pm at Lima Family Mortuary in Santa Clara. Funeral service on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 11 am at St. Clare's Church with burial to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.