Eugenio C. Gonzalves
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Eugenio C. Gonzalves, 79, of Waterford, CT passed peacefully surrounded by his family on July 7, 2022 after a brief illness. Gene was born in Manila, Philippines on July 31, 1942. He is predeceased by his father, Eugenio Gonzalves Sr., his mother Leocadia Gonzalves, and his son, Eugene Gonzalves. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Pacita Villanueva Gonzalves; brother Gerardo Gonzalves of British Columbia, Canada; sister Josephine Capuno of Marikina, Philippines; daughter Christine and husband Patrick Mulready of Glastonbury, CT; and his five grandchildren: Devin, Sawyer, Eloise and Cleo Mulready and Ashlyn Gonzalves of Efland, North Carolina. With his wife pregnant with their second child, he bravely emigrated alone to the United States in December 1973. He had a very basic understanding of the English language, but a strong drive to succeed. After he had established residency, his wife and two children followed three months later. He met his baby daughter for the first time in the airport and was overjoyed to be reunited with his wife and three-year-old son. By 1979, all four had become proud American citizens. They first settled in Chicago, later in Littleton, Colorado and eventually in Waterford where he worked at Millstone Nuclear Power Plant. After emigrating to the US, Gene and his wife, Pacita, became sponsors for many family members, hosting them in their home as they obtained American citizenship. Gene had a very successful career as an electrical engineer. He was well respected for his expertise and knowledge in starting up various power plants, ranging from coal to nuclear energy. He oversaw projects, not only in the US, but in countries all over the world: Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Alaska, and his home country of the Philippines. Gene enjoyed using his engineering skills to build contraptions and work on home improvement projects. From installing a lawn irrigation system to jerry rigging his snowblower chute to auto swivel with the press of a button; he spent his weekends working smarter, not harder. Gene worked his whole life to support both his immediate family and his extended family back in the Philippines. He attributed his career to his higher education. He emphasized the importance of education and was proud to put both of his kids through UConn. Always willing to help, he provided the means for two of his nephews in the Philippines to go to nursing school as well. Gene was an excellent provider. Gene was a hard-working, loyal husband, generous father and mentor. His favorite moments were spending time with family and friends. Above all else, he enjoyed a good meal, good drink, and good company. He will be missed. Calling hours will take place on Tuesday, July 19th, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Fulton Theroux Funeral Home on 181 Ocean Ave. New London, CT. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul Church at 170 Rope Ferry Rd. Waterford, CT on Wednesday, July 20th commencing at 11:00am.