Nelson R. Santos

1938 - 2026

Nelson R. Santos
"Loving father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather"
Mr. Nelson Santos, 87, of Naugatuck, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Dianne (Bird) Santos, who passed away June 24, 2021, with whom he shared sixty-four years of marriage.
Nelson was born in Portugal, on November 1, 1938, son of the late Antonio and Belmira (Rodrigues) Santos. In 1948, he immigrated from Portugal to New York, settling in Naugatuck. Being a carpenter by trade, Nelson worked for Arbor Homes and Alloy Foundry until his retirement. He proudly built his own home that he raised his family in, which he lived in for over fifty years. Nelson enjoyed traveling with his wife, Dianne, especially to Hawaii, Cape Cod, and Portugal. Above everything else, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Nelson leaves to honor and cherish his memory, three children, Tina Santos and her husband, Kevin Sullivan of Peabody, MA, Jay Santos and his wife, Anne of Mansfield, MA, and Cathy Lanoie and her husband, Jason of Watertown; a brother, Victor Santos and his fiancée, Laura Reilly of Naugatuck. Nelson is also the proud grandfather of his six grandchildren, Ross, Nicholas and his wife, Marisa, Rebecca, Isabelle, Ailinn, Emily; and a great-granddaughter, Abigail. Nelson was predeceased by a son, Nelson "Rod" Santos, Jr.; and a brother, Antonio Santos.
Arrangements: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church, 1263 West Street, Middlebury. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery in Naugatuck. Calling hours will be held Tuesday morning, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Brookside Memorial, The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 Benson Road, Middlebury, who has been entrusted with Nelson's arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Nelson's memory to: Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, 65 Tucker Hill Road, Middlebury, CT 06762.
For more info or send an online condolence, please visit www.brooksidememorial.com .