José dos Santos Correia
August 22, 1962 ~ July 9, 2020
Born in:
Praia-Santiago, Cape Verde
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
José dos Santos Correia of Hamden, CT (b. August 22, 1962), entered peacefully into eternal rest on July 9, 2020, after a courageous and private battle with cancer.
José was born in Praia-Santiago, República de Cabo Verde. His parents are José Tavares Correia and Maria de Fátima dos Santos Correia. As a teenager, Jose immigrated to the U.S. in 1981 with his brother, Manuel, and they initially settled in Milford, CT with his uncle and aunt, Antonio & Marva Santos. He graduated from Milford High School in 1982, and all the while he worked various part time jobs to support himself. In 1986, José became a U.S. citizen. Notably, he owned and operated a small construction business, Correia & Sons Construction. After graduation he worked full time at the Groton, CT submarine base for many years. Subsequently, he was employed by Metro-North Railroad beginning in 2000 and was a Foreman, Maintenance of Equipment and his most recent position was in Operating Capital Projects as an Assistant Director – PTC New Haven. Always a dedicated and hard worker, while working full-time José earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Hartford in 2006. Since 2013 José was also an adjunct instructor at Gateway Community College, where he was instrumental in launching the Railroad Engineering Technology Program and developing its curriculum.
José was skilled at home improvement and automotive repairs, there was never a project in the home, outdoors or for countless others, that he would not volunteer to tackle and successfully complete. José was blessed to enjoy the camaraderie and respect of numerous friends and colleagues, who often sought his advice and counsel. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including fishing in the summer, and he especially enjoyed soccer, both as a player in the Cape Verdean Soccer League and other adult leagues. He was a dedicated coach with the Hamden Youth Soccer League where he coached both of his children.
His love, service and dedication to his family, and especially his position as the oldest among his siblings in the U.S. will forever be a hallmark of his legacy. He was a proud Cape Verdean.
He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 29 years, Maria Avelina (“Evelyn”) Borges Correia who with grace and tremendous faith girded his final journey, along with his daughter Amalia and son Daniel; he was tremendously proud and loved each of them. He is also survived by his parents José Tavares Correia (“Lulu”) and Maria de Fátima dos Santos Correia José (“Bia”); his siblings: Manuel (Ligia) Correia, Natalina (Arnold) Correia Webster, Ana Bernadette Correia Kirby (James), Humberto (Ana) Correia, Helena Correia, Marcio (Sara) Correia, Darcio (Candice) Correia, José Manuel Moreno and Teresa Rodrigues; countless nieces, nephews, cousins and family in the U.S., Cabo Verde and internationally.
Due to COVID-19 and to honor José’s wishes and vigilance during this challenging time, the manner in which he will be laid to rest will be private. The family hopes there is understanding, support and cooperation with this difficult decision. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Yale – Smilow Cancer Center, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-1849, https://www.givetoynhh.org/closertofree. BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT is in care of arrangements.
I met Jose the first day he set foot on the railroad, he worked for me as an electrician,Soon became a foreman and worked with me as my partner,A kind and gentle man, often spoke to me about his Family, Proud to call him a member of my railroad family, Will miss you my brother, rest in peace, thanks for the memories forever in my heart
I’m very sorry for your great loss. I worked with Jose on the Railroad. When he would come to the office he would always have kind words to say and his smile brightened up our room. He will be missed. Sending prayers to all the family, God Bless Him.
To Cousins Evelyn, Children, Bia & the Entire Correia Family, our condolences & prayers to all of you during this heart felt sorrowful time. We are so sadden to hear of our dear Cousin Jose’ dos Santos Correia’s passing. In reading his obituary, it speaks volumes of just how an amazing and loving of a man he was in life, as he will go on living in many of hearts forever. He will truly be missed! May you all gather together in memory of Jose’ this magnificent man of God who has touched many lives and shall continue to grace all with his legacy. Be blessed, and on behalf of Cousins Mary Santos C. D. & Dortche Htfd Family, we send to you much love in spirit & in prayer always…
Dear family of Jose- So sorry on your loss . May happy memories help comfort you & give you strength. With Sympathy & Blessings.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Jose’s family. I worked with Jose over the years with the QC Dept at MNRR. He was a kind, considerate, person a great mentor and had excellent work ethics. I will miss him dearly, God Bless
Peter Lombardozzi
Jose always had a smile and laughed a lot. Many times I would call him “Outlaw Jose Wales” from Clint Eastwood movie. He was great to be around. Very good memories we shared while at Lockheed Martin Sikorsky. We helped each other cope with our difficult role as supervisor.
I am sorry for your loss. Jose was a good man, often spoke about his family. Seemed like he wanted to enjoy his time with his family.
WIll be missed. My God watch over his family and friends during this differicult time.
To a greatly respected man who I owe my place on the railroad . You were my instructor and mentor who became a coworker and trusted friend. You will be missed by all especially your Brothers on the RR. Sending prayers and deepest condolences to your family. Rest In Peace 🙏🏻
My condolences to the correia family ,I work with Jose on the Rail Road he was kind supportive respectful was grt to b around he will be missed
Dear Maria, Amalia and Daniel, I am so very sorry about the passing of your loving husband and father. Please be assured of my prayers for you.
Love, Sr. Mary Anne
Dearest Tia Evelyn,Amalia and Daniel. We are so so sorry for your loss.Anika and I are sending you lots of healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so honored and blessed to have been in the presence of Tio Jose. He smile was infectious, I will never forget his kindness towards Anika and I. He will be missed and never be forgotten.May the soul of Tio Jose be at peace with our Heavenly Father. May God give him eternal rest.
I loved working with Jose. He was my foreman on nights, and we recently worked across the hall from each other once we both got promoted. His over-the-top, energetic replies and happy demeanor made you glad that you know him. He’ll be sorely missed by myself and others at the railroad. I know he’s missed even more at home. My heart goes out to all of his family. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I was a co-worker of Jose’s at Metro-North Railroad.
He was a great person, always greeting you with a handshake, a smile and some kind words.
He was always cheerful and always ready to help anyone anytime.
I will miss him very much.
My thoughts and prayers to his family during this very difficult time.
Chuck Schroeder
To the Correia Family,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Jose’ passing. We met many years ago as I visited the Santos family frequently. My fondest memory was his smile and cheerful voice. I was touched as I read about all his accomplishments and the lives he has touched. I pray his legacy live on forever. May the care and love of those around you provide the much needed comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences are sent your way from
Tonita Fernandez and Family in California.
I worked with Jose at the CCO. I was one of the few who “ran the stairs” here in the building with him. He was a great guy with matching attitude. I’m going to miss him. My deepest condolences to his family.
Our prayers are with you.
Love, the Lobo family
Dear Evelyn, Amalia and Daniel,
From my heart to yours flows peace and wishes for comfort and support from family and friends to guide and sustain each of you regarding the passing of Joseph. I remember him well. And, like many, his wide infectious smile still brings joy to my face. May God’s blessings🙏 be upon you always.
Most sincerely,
Gail M. Crockett
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Jose’and truly want to express to you and the family of Jose’ our sincere love and appreciation to the character he represented.
May his spirit always reflect to us
a great determination of wanting to succeed in life. God bless you Maria and family.
Our love thoughts and prayers are with you .
Cousins Victor, Janice and family
Dear Correia Family,
I am so heartbroken to hear that Jose passed away. Jose was a sweet man, a lot of fun, was liked by all and had the best laugh ever. I will miss him every day.
Dear Family, I am sincerely sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man … Jose’ was a gentle man of few words, but many accomplishments that he never talked about. He went about his work and life quietly, but touched many lives! We were blessed to have him in our lives even for such a short while! Evelyn and Amalia and Daniel I mourn with you! Cousin Mike’s wife Verniece
I am very sadden by his passing. My sincerest condolences to the family. As part of the Metro-North HR department, I had the privilege of working with Jose at Metro-North Railroad with regard to his promotions. He was the epitome of a humble & kind man. He always had a smile and positive encouragements to everyone he came across. I will miss him. His legacy & memory will be forever in our hearts. He was so proud of his family! Family meant everything to him. Prayers for strength and comfort 🙏.
I worked with Jose. He was always very friendly, polite, and a complete professional. I did not know he was as involved with other things as he was according to the obituary. Modesty apparently was another quality he had, as I was unaware I was walking among a Renaissance man. A true loss for us all.
My heartfelt condolences to the Correia family.