Eugene V. Nunes

Jan. 17, 1927 < June 27, 2007
Eugene V. Nunes, a long-time resident of Fairfield, passed away on June 27, 2007, after a long illness.
Gene was born to Isabel and Manuel Nunes in Hilo, Hawaii. He attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Hilo Hawaii Vocational School.
Eugene joined the Air Force in 1945 and spent 27 years of active duty service in aircraft maintenance. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. After his retirement, he worked as a custodian at Dover Middle School in Fairfield.
Born on a small island, Gene traveled all over the world. He loved Japan, met his wife while stationed in England, was inspired by the Holy Land, and fulfilled a life's ambition to cruise through the Panama Canal.
He was a long-time member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the Legion of Mary. His volunteer work included ushering at Holy Spirit Church where he attended daily mass. He prayed the rosary every day. His life was centered on the Sacraments of the Church.
He spent several years adapting his small house to meet the needs of his growing family.
Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Shirley; two daughters, Rachel Nunes-Florez and her husband, Jonathan, of Murrieta; and Catherine Wilson and her husband, Derek, of Seattle; goddaughter, Maria Florez and her husband, Richard; two sons, Dr. Mark Nunes and his wife, Nancy, of New Albany, Ohio; and Andrew Nunes and fiancee, Su-Zette Sparks, of Seattle; twin sister, Marie Rodriguez of Pauilo, Hawaii; nine grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth; Gabriel and Madelyn Nunes; Anthony, Joshua and Zachary Florez; Ayden Abrahms and Eleanor and Isabel Wilson; and numerous relatives in Hawaii.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a donation to the Holy Spirit School in Fairfield. Friends are invited to an evening of visitation from 6:45 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home. A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. and a "Celebration of Memories Service" will be conducted at 7:45 p.m. by Jim Hapgood, Ph.D.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 6, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Michael Downey officiating. Burial will follow at Rockville Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, 425-4697.