Luiz Augusto “Guto” Campos Santana, 47, of Marlborough, died Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.

Guto was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, the son of Dalva Pinheiro Santana Stephen and the late Antonio Campos Souza. He moved to Marlborough in 1990 and attended Marlborough Public Schools.

A devoted member of Rivers of Living Water Church in Marlborough, Guto found joy in life’s simple pleasures—singing, dancing, napping, and eating, especially ice cream. He also took great pride in his appearance and was known by many as the best-dressed man in Marlborough. Whether he was headed to church, or simply out for the day, Guto always looked sharp and always smelled wonderful.

Living with autism, Guto experienced the world differently than most. Although he was 47 years old, he carried the innocence, wonder, and trust of a young child throughout his life.

Guto found comfort and happiness in the familiar routines that surrounded his life. He especially enjoyed the repetition and consistency of activities he knew well, including participating in giving his dízimo (tithe), attending church, and singing familiar songs. These routines brought him a sense of belonging, peace, and connection with the people around him.

Guto had a pure heart, untouched by bitterness or judgment. He saw the good in people and accepted others with genuine sincerity. He never knew how to tell a lie. Honesty was simply part of who he was, and those who knew him treasured the truthfulness and innocence that defined him. Although Guto did not always express himself through words or physical affection, his trust, his presence, and the way he allowed others into his world were his own quiet ways of showing connection.

Guto was hardworking, extremely organized, and took great pride in keeping things clean and in order. His attention to detail was remarkable—his clothes were always carefully folded to perfection, his bed was always neatly made without a wrinkle, and he approached every responsibility with dedication and purpose. He found comfort and satisfaction in doing things the right way and took pride in everything he accomplished.

When Guto was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, he faced a nine-month journey unlike anything he had ever known. Because of the way he experienced and communicated with the world, he did not understand the seriousness of his illness or what the diagnosis meant. He trusted completely the people caring for him and accepted each step of the journey with the same pure innocence and trust that guided his entire life. He did not question what he could not understand; he simply trusted the people who were there to care for him.

He went to every appointment with a smile, never filled with fear, anger, or worry. Even through this difficult journey, Guto remained true to himself—gentle, trusting, loving, and peaceful. His ability to find peace and joy, even in moments of uncertainty, was a beautiful reflection of his pure heart and the unique way he experienced life.

The things that often define adulthood—building a career, raising a family, or navigating the complexities of the world—were simply never part of how Guto understood or experienced life. Instead, he lived with a rare innocence that remained beautifully unchanged. Free from pretense and without judgment, he trusted wholeheartedly and found joy in the simplest moments.

His gentle spirit, unwavering faith in the ones who loved him, unfailing honesty, and sincere heart left an imprint on the hearts of all who knew him. Guto’s life was a reminder that kindness, trust, honesty, and sincerity in their purest forms are among the greatest gifts we can share.

He leaves his mother, Dalva Stephen of Marlborough; a brother, Alexandre Santana and his wife Luana of Long Beach, CA; a sister, Monica Smith and her husband Todd of Lancaster; two nieces, Sofia and Alessandra Smith of Lancaster; a stepbrother, Scott Stephen, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI; and two stepsisters, Jennifer Heath of Deland, FL, and Laura Ostermiller of Geismar, LA.

Calling hours will be held Friday, August 7, from 7–9 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 8, at 10 AM in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough. All are welcome to sign Guto’s online guestbook at collinsfuneral.com.