Gerson Manuel Pires Do Canto, also known as J.D. or Jelson of Davenport, Florida passed away on September 13, 2024. He was only 34 years old. He was born on April 30, 1990, in Lisbon, Portugal to Ildo Rodrigues and Maria Angelina Pires Do Canto and moved from there to Boston, Massachusetts in 1990 and 13 years later he moved with his family to Florida. 

Gerson graduated from Freedom High School and then found himself working on multiple river boats, including the American Countess where he would meet the Love of his life, Katie. He was Christian by belief, and he loved playing video games with his cousins. JD was a generous man, normally one would say he would “give the shirt off his back” to help, but he would go to any length necessary to help someone in need, regardless of what he had to do to make it happen. Gerson is fondly remembered for going to restaurants and always ordering 2 plates, 1 for himself and 1 for someone outside who couldn’t afford a good meal. He loved spending time with his family and truly believed his father was the best cook. 

JD is survived by his parents, Ildo and Maria; brother, Alex Do Canto; the Love of his life, Katelyn Mennemeyer; cousins/brothers, Isaih, Carlos and Manny; his Second Mom Tia Nela; best friends, Chris and Toland; his dog, Bebe and his and Katie’s dog/son, Prince; as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins from the Do Canto, Pires, Mennemeyer and Compton Families. 

Jelson believed his “Sprit Animal” was the Bee, so if 1 day you are visited by a bee, don't just swat him away, buy say hi to Jelson as he has come for a visit.

A visitation will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 1:00 pm until the celebration of his life service at 2:00 pm, all at Oak ridge Funeral Care in Haines City.