Confins Mayor Geraldo Gonçalves dos Santos, 'Pezão,' Laid to Rest

The body of Geraldo Gonçalves dos Santos, the mayor of Confins, widely known as 'Pezão,' is being mourned in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. Santos passed away on Monday, June 13th, at the age of 71. His wake commenced on Tuesday, June 14th, starting at a local school in the Tavares neighborhood from 9 AM to 1 PM. Following this, a procession transported his remains to the Santuário da Mãe Rainha for continued farewell ceremonies. A mass was scheduled to take place at the sanctuary at 3 PM, with the burial planned for 5 PM at São José Cemetery, as confirmed by the municipal government. The executive branch has officially declared a seven-day period of mourning, and municipal schools and public offices suspended their operations on Tuesday. The cause of Mayor Santos' death was not disclosed by the Confins City Hall, which announced his passing on Monday evening. A statement from the municipality highlighted his significant contributions to the city's development and his compassionate approach to citizens. Mayor Santos had previously been elected to office four times, in 2008, 2012, 2020, and most recently in 2024. He had been temporarily relieved of his duties on June 24th to undergo medical treatment, with Vice Mayor Uales Lucas Ribeiro assuming the role in an interim capacity.