Gylmar Roberto Simoes

Gylmar Roberto Simoes better known as Gio, died on March 31, 2026, he was a devoted man of faith, a loving father and grandfather, and a visionary entrepreneur who left a lasting impact on the Brazilian and Latino communities in Long Branch, New Jersey. While he accomplished many things throughout his life, Gio often said that he did not wish to be remembered for his business achievements or public recognition, but rather for his love for God and his testimony that Jesus Christ saved his life. His faith became the foundation of his life, guiding his decisions, shaping his character, and inspiring the way he treated others with compassion, humility, and generosity.

Gio began his entrepreneurial journey in 1985 when he opened Broadway Cleaners in Long Branch, which he successfully operated for ten years. He later opened Tucanos, the first Brazilian restaurant in Long Branch, earning regional recognition, including coverage by the Asbury Park Press. In 1996, he founded Copa Latino, the first Brazilian and Spanish soccer championship in the area, bringing together teams from multiple states and uniting communities through sports and friendship from 1996 through 2017. In 1999, Gio launched Latino USA, a Brazilian and Spanish newspaper that later evolved into Latino USA Multi Services LLC, a business dedicated to serving the Brazilian and Hispanic communities through translation and essential support services.

Through his work, he helped countless families and supported the growth of the Latino business community in Monmouth County. Gio’s contributions earned him numerous honors, including recognition for helping develop the Latino business community of Monmouth County, acknowledgment from Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community, and a proclamation by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders declaring October 19th as Gylmar Simoes Day.

Yet, despite these many accomplishments, Gio believed his greatest purpose was to share his faith and love for God. He openly spoke about how his life was transformed through his relationship with Jesus Christ and found peace, strength, and hope in his faith. He wanted to be remembered as a man who loved God deeply, trusted in Jesus, and encouraged others through his testimony and example. Above all, Gio’s greatest pride and joy was his family.

He was a devoted father to his three children and their spouses, Jonathan and Tessy, Emerson and Whitney and Samantha and Ricky and a proud and loving grandfather to eight grandchildren: Isabel, Jonathan Jr., James, Bryan, Lorenzo, Olivia, Mila, and Lana. His love for his family was unwavering, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Gio will be remembered for his strong faith, his generous heart, and his dedication to both his family and community. His legacy lives not only in the businesses he built and the lives he touched, but in the faith he shared and the love he gave so freely.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 5:30 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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