Alberto Fortes Simao, 85, of Hartford, beloved husband of Odete Simao of 59 years, passed away peacefully with his family and friends at his bedside on November 3, 2016. He was the son of Antonio and Rosaria (Fortes) Simao of Pinhal de Obidos, Portugal. He and his family of 9 siblings farmed and operated a windmill where he met the love of his life the daughter of the local bakery owner Alberto Dos Santos. They were married in the majestic Villa de Obidos. While as a child he learned to play the trumpet and played in the town marching band. He was a veteran of the Portuguese Navy where he traveled the world and was part of the expedition that escorted the President of Portugal to London, England. His naval training took place on the tall ship NRP Sagres. He continued his passion for playing the trumpet in the naval band. After leaving the navy, he lived in Lisbon where he was employed as a trolley conductor and continued playing with the Banda da Carros Electricos. His family immigrated to the United States to pursue the American dream and was employed by White Oak Construction Company. He proudly pointed out to his sons and grandchildren the bridges he worked on as a laborer. During the 1970’s he was a member of the Portuguese band playing at local festivals and weddings. After retiring he had traveled regularly to Obidos, Portugal and continued to play for the marching band of Obidos. On the 3rd week of September you would find him volunteering to boil potatoes and cod for visitors traveling to the Festa Pinhal de Obidos. During the festival in Honor of Saint Ana he and the rest of the town would open up their houses to drink agua-pe (homemade wine) to all. Family and friends were very important to him specially all of his grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. He truly enjoyed having friends over his house where he gladly offered a cup of his home made wine or vegetables from his garden. When it was time to go down to his wine cellar you could count on him saying “vamos matar o bicho” translation let’s kill the thirst bug. Giving back was truly important to him. He along with other family members and friends would have fundraisers to benefit community organizations they belong to here in Connecticut and in Portugal. "Alberto wanted to say a special thanks to Felix DelGreco, Sr. and Junior, Joseph and Gloria Simao for helping his family have the opportunity to come to the United States". In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his son, Roger Simao and his wife Rulanda, their children, Anjelica and Nathaniel; daughter-in-law, Brenda Simao and her son, Jason Simao; his three brothers: Manuel Fortes and his wife Nazare, Antonio Simao and his wife Helena, Luis Simao and his wife Rosa; two sisters: Maria Augusta DelGreco and Maria Arminda Vicente; brother-in-law Porfirio Antunes; sisters-in-law Felismina Simao and Gloria Simao. He was predeceased by his son, Luis Alberto Simao; his brothers, Carlos Simao and Joseph Simao, and two sisters, Julia Gomes and Maria Helena Antunes, and brother-in-law Felix DelGreco, Sr. The family would like to thank UCONN Hospital staff and specially Dr. Ek, Dr. Zaidi, Dr. Hook, and Dr. Jeffrey Nacimento of Hartford Hospital. Funeral procession will be Thursday, (Nov. 10), 9:00 am from the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Hartford. Entombment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.