Ernest J. Gamboa, 83, of New Bedford passed away suddenly at home on Friday September 4, 2020. He was the husband of Arcadia “Connie” (Gonzalez) Gamboa.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Jose Gamboa and Firmina (Brito) Chiclana, he was raised in the Marion-Wareham area and later lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
Mr. Gamboa was formerly employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company until his retirement.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1964.
He enjoyed riding motorcyles, taking pictures, and attending family reunions. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. For many years, he met daily to socialize with his friends at A&W Root Beer and Honey Dew Donuts in Fairhaven.
He is survived by his wife, Connie; his children, Doreen Gracia and her husband Ricardo, Frank Rodriguez, and Darlene Monteiro and her husband Kevin Hayes; his siblings, Jose Gamboa, John Gamboa, and Richard Gamboa; seven grandchildren, Syreeta Pina, Tennelle Pina, Deutra Gamboa-Haith, Maggie Skoryna and her husband John, Frank Rodriguez, Jr., Amber Rodriguez, and Briana Rodriguez; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
He was the brother of the late Geneva Silva, Virginia Fermino, Guilhermina Alves, Gloria Scott, Michael Alexander, and Gilbert Gamboa.
A private family burial service will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. A public memorial gathering for family and friends will be held in the future. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.