Paul A. Gomes, 76, of New Bedford, passed away on July 26, 2016 at home after a long illness. He was the husband of Billie-Marie (Houtman) Gomes, his high school sweetheart, to whom he was married for 55 years.
Born in Bristol RI, the son of the late Antonio S. "Geech" and Lydia (Freitas) Gomes, he lived in New Bedford for all of his life. Paul was a 1959 graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School where he was a celebrated and talented basketball player, leading his team to several championships. He was one of the first inductees into the New Bedford Voc Athletic Hall of Fame. Paul, along with his father and his other brothers and sisters, would be heralded as the most famous family in the history of local athletics. He also attended the University of Connecticut.
Paul retired from Commonwealth Electric Company after 30 years as a lineman and crew leader, and was the owner and sole proprietor of New Bedford Line Company. He was a member of many local area organizations including the Marion Social Club and the Panthers Athletic & Social Club.
He was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Paul was a diehard fan to the Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He loved listening to music, especially Cape Verdean music. Paul enjoyed cooking and loved nothing more than to invite family and friends over to enjoy a big meal. A friend and role model to many, Paul always had a kind word, a smile or a hug for all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife; 3 sons, Paul A. Gomes, Jr. of New Bedford, David A. Gomes of Dartmouth and Jonathan A. Gomes and his wife Emily of Acushnet; 4 brothers, the Reverend Martin Gomes,ss.cc, of Fairhaven, Thomas E. Gomes of Wareham, the Reverend Edmund J. Gomes of Lynchburg, VA, and Stephen R. Gomes of Fall River; 6 sisters, Mary Louise Rodrigues, Linda Gomes, Helen Gomes Ackah, Regina Lopes, Debbie Cruz and Kim Cruz, all of New Bedford; 5 grandsons, Craig, Raymond, Isaiah, Ethan and Luke; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly.
He was the brother of the late Ann Gomes Oliveira, George L. "Jake" Gomes and Wendy Fumo.
His Funeral will be held on Friday, July 29th at 8:45 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 28th from 3-8 PM. Flowers are welcome or donations can be made in his honor to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 47 South Sixth St., New Bedford, MA 02740.