Ilidio Dos Santos Pires, age 67, passed away on May 18, 2013 at home. He was born on June 16, 1945 in Tras-os-Montes Portugal and moved to the United States in 1972, where he’s been a resident of Chicopee ever since. His parents were the late Jose Bento Pires and Aurinda Fernandes Dos Santos. Before moving to the US, Ilidio served in the Portuguese Army during the Colonial Wars. After moving to the US, Ilidio worked as a machinist for Spaldings Company for 33 years before he retired in 2006. He was a communicant of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Assumption Church. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family. He leaves his loving wife, Vera Lucia Scanlon of Chicopee; 2 sons, Fernando Pires and his wife Amy of NC and Jose Joao Pires of France; 1 brother Manuel Fernandes and his wife Lourdes of France; 1 sister Edite Martinez and her husband Jose of Ludlow; 1 sister in law Gracinda Dos Santos of Ludlow; 3 grandchildren, Bella, Amelie and Oliver along with many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Antonio Fernandes and Joao Dos Santos. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. from the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Assumption Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 24, 2013 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Assumption Church, 104, Springfield St, Chicopee, MA 01013.