Harry "Fife" Gelmete, 83, of New Bedford, affectionately known as Grampy to most, passed away peacefully at home with his family on February 12, 2023. He was the loving husband of the late Marie A. (Spinner) Gelmete for 39 years.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Manuel Gelmete and Dominga (Britto) Pires, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Harry began his career as a longshoreman on the docks in New Bedford at the age of 15 and worked for over 50 years. He was a hard-working, loyal man who was always willing to help those in need. Harry was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and loved old western movies and Doo Wop concerts at the Z. He was a family-first man and was happiest at home surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of unconditional love and generosity. His incredible sense of humor and storytelling will be missed by all who knew him.
Harry served proudly in the U.S. Army.
Survivors include his children, Jodi Spencer, and Tara Gelmete both of New Bedford, and Kerri Banks-Henagan of Sacramento, CA; his son, Keven Gelmete of New Bedford; his siblings, James "Chico" Gelmete, Ronald Gelmete, Rose Beltran, June Cosme, Maria L. (Pires) Ortiz, Pearl Dominic Pires and Carlotta F. Pires; his grandchildren, Isaiah and Ty Spencer, Lia Machado, Stephen and Nicholas Hawthrone, and Christopher Brown; 8 great-grandchildren; his granddog and companion Jasmine; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
He is predeceased by his parents; and his siblings Patricia (Pires) Baez and Louis Pires, Jr.; and his stepfather Louis Pires, Sr.
Harry's Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 17th at 10 AM in the International Church of the Nazerene, 286 Pleasant St, New Bedford, burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. All are invited to meet directly at church. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Cape Verdean Recognition Scholarship In Memory of Harry Gelmete. Donations are payable to the Cape Verdean Recognition Scholarship and can be sent c/o First Citizens Credit Union 468 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740