Sgt. Andre M. Araujo

Sgt. Andre M. Araujo FORT HOOD, TEXAS Sgt. Andre M. Araujo, 26, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 180th Transportation Battalion, formerly of Marlborough, died Tuesday, July 1, 2008, in Temple, Texas, from injuries received in an automobile accident at Fort Hood. He is survived by his loving wife, Noelle C. (Wildman) Araujo, who is six months pregnant with their daughter, Alexa Michelle Araujo. Born in Framingham, beloved son of Lelia (Marinho) Souza of Marlborough and Jachson D. Araujo of Norwood, he was raised in Marlborough and graduated from Assabet Valley Technical High School in 2000. Andre enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and entered active duty July 31, 2000. He was assigned to the 5th Bn 10th MarDiv at Camp Lejeune, N.C., attaining the rank of corporal, and was a howitzer artilleryman, who served a tour in Iraq. In November 2006, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, after attending Advanced Individual Training. Sgt. Araujo was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas with the 553rd CSSB, 664th Ordinance Company. He was then attached to the 60th Ordinance Heavy Lift Platoon and served as a squad leader and ammunition sergeant during his deployment to Tallil, Iraq from August 2007 to April 2008. His military education includes Marine Corps Bootcamp, Combat Lifesavers Course and Field Artillery Operations. Sgt. Araujos military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medal, the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, and Rifle Qualification Badge (Sharpshooter). Andre loved fishing, enjoyed soccer, football, bowling, basketball and barbeques. He will be remembered by all for his loyalty, honesty and work ethic. He was a very caring man who always put others before himself, and after joining the U.S. Army, volunteered for a second tour in Iraq, to defend and serve the country he so loved. He leaves his daughter, Ariana Holman of Kansas and a stepdaughter, Shea A. McGinnis of Fort Hood; two sisters, Priscilla Araujo of Marlborough and Jaqueline Margadonna of Gardner; a half-brother, Jachson D. Araujo Jr. of Florida; 10 uncles, five aunts and many cousins; his father-in-law, Robert E. Wildman, and his wife, Suzanne, of Liberty, Mo., and his mother-in-law, Michelle Guzman of California. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 11, at 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Church, Prospect Street, Marlborough. Full military funeral honors will be rendered in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough. Calling hours will be held Thursday, July 10, from 5 to 10 p.m., at Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough. Family and friends are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.SFCFH.com.