Paul W. Gomes, 77, of New Bedford, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with illness on Thursday October 26, 2023. He was the husband of Nadine L. Gomes.
He was born in New Bedford in 1946 to August and Julia (Monteiro) Gomes, the youngest of their 11 children. Paul attended New Bedford High School before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1967 and serving faithfully in the Vietnam War. He went on to work for and retired from the Bristol County House of Corrections after 25 years of service. While employed as a correctional officer, Paul prioritized humane treatment of every person coming through the system, valuing each person and treating them with consideration and respect. He also worked and retired from the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1413 after 30 years, holding various positions, such as union steward and gang boss.
An integral member of the New Bedford community, he had been on the staff of the Standard-Times newspaper, a bartender at several of New Bedford’s most well-known establishments, worked at Frionor Fisheries, and was the former President of the New Cape Verdean Band Club. He was a dedicated member of the 9/18 Golf Club and proudly coached Youth Group Basketball at Monte’s Park and for the Catholic Youth Organization. He loved music, especially the Temptations and the Tavares, and was a dedicated fan of New England sports. He loved to cook and entertain family and friends at his home.
Paul was predeceased by his siblings, Arthur Monteiro, Louise Ramos, August Gomes, Raymond Gomes, Catherine Texeira, Mary Ann Spinola, Anthony Gomes, David Gomes, and Donald Gomes, and his son Justin Monteiro. He is survived by his wife, Nadine L. Gomes, his brother, Joseph Gomes, his children, Kelly Gomes Melendez and her husband Roberto Melendez, Paul Gomes Jr. and his wife Shalyn Gomes, Chenoa Via, and Anthony Gomes and his wife Bethany Gomes, his grandchildren, and a number of favorite nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
His wake will be held on Wednesday November 1st from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday November 2nd at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Rural Cemetery. In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association would be greatly appreciated. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.