Gilbert B. Correia

CORREIA, GILBERT B.-the death of Gilbert Bento Correia, husband of Claire L. (Murphy) Correia, occurred at his residence on Sunday, August 28, 2011, following a period of failing health. Gilbert was born in Bailey's Bay, Bermuda, on March 23, 1931, a son of the late John &Maria Irene  Encarnacao (Xavier) Correia. He was a graduate of St. Georges Grammar School in Bermuda; Mt. St. Charles Academy, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and St. Mary's University, Halifax. In addition to his academic successes he was recognized as an outstanding athlete in soccer, cricket, and football. He had been employed with General Motors as field representative and credit manager and subsequently joined the Government of Canada as Employment Counsellor, from where he retired in 1991.
Gilbert particularly enjoyed his assignments and association with students and faculty as counsellor on campus at NBCC and later at UNBSJ.
He was twice named honourary member of graduating classes at UNBSJ in recognition of the support and assistance he provided to those young people as they prepared and entered the work force. While in Halifax, and later in Saint John, he served as interpreter and translator for Portuguese immigrants entering Canada.

Gilbert was a founding member of Knights of Columbus Council 6595 and was a Fourth Degree Member of Msgr. Lockary Assembly. He was a lay-reader and Eucharistic minister at St. Ann's Church for several years; and gave generously of his time and talents in the community, supporting charitable causes and coaching minor hockey and baseball. He had served on the board of director of Simonds Co-op.

Besides his wife of 55 years, he is survived by four sons, Anthony "Tony" (Gail) of Saint John, Christopher M. (Sharon) of Rothesay, John B. (Lisa) of Quispamsis, and Daniel T. of Rothesay; one brother, Charles B. (Lorraine) of Burlington, Mass.;  seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Cory, Jessica, Tara, Ashley, Kendra, and Michael; two great-granddaughters, Ava and Lexi; and several nieces and nephews.


Resting at Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo St., with visiting on Wednesday from 3 to 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, 133 Simpson Drive,  on Thursday morning at eleven o'clock. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
Members of the Knights of Columbus will gather at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at seven o'clock for prayers. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Ann's Church Building Fund or the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.