Natalio Gomes

Acushnet - Natalio “Nate” Gomes, the beloved patriarch of the Gomes family from Acushnet departed on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, after ninety one years of a courageous, satisfying, and accomplished life. Proud parents Victorino Gomes and Genevieve Conceicao received the ultimate gift with the birth of their son on Christmas day, December 25, 1925, from which his name originates- “Natal.”

Natalio is survived by the love of his life and wife of seventy years, the beautiful, intelligent, and resourceful Doris “Dot” May Gomes (Roderigues). Dot was “Chunky’s” world and his true source of happiness, inspiration and success.

Natalio was the father and role model to his two determined and successful sons David and Andrew. Eldest son and aviation enthusiast, Dave, resides in Rochester with his wife Linda. Andy, the fun-loving and equally enterprising youngest son, resides in Acushnet with his companion Jacquelyn Linhares. Natalio proudly raised his sons into men entrusting them with the same principles and ethics which led to his success in life, which in turn they have continued to share with their own children. Natalio’s legacy is his spirit of living to focus on family, fairness and need over selfish spendthrift and want.

Natalio was a hero to his grandchildren he leaves behind Pamela, Peter, Nathanyl, Nicholas, and Noah. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as he was always the center of every family gathering and holiday. He leaves behind, his only granddaughter, Pamela and her husband, Christopher Labonte and their two children Ryan and Lexi of Acushnet. Peter, who shares pepe’s mechanical and technical skills resides in New Bedford with his longtime companion Lisa. Nathanyl, Nicholas, and Noah are lifelong residents of Acushnet. Nathanyl and Noah both uphold Natalio’s roots in the construction industry as they both operate their own respective Construction and Electrical companies with the same proficiency and attention as their grandfather. Nathanyl is the father of Natalio’s great-grandson Joseph “Natalio” Gomes, both of which were named in honor of Natalio and share his charismatic smile and countenance. Noah and Lindsey Earle of Carver are expecting their first child and son together. Nicholas and his sweetheart Meagan are both attorneys-at-law and Nick, “Nigky” shares his grandfather’s determination, humor, and sincerity.

Natalio was predeceased by his five brothers Joseph, Manuel, Americo, John, and Antone. Natalio held Joe, Manny, Mac, John and Tony in the highest regards and they remained active in each other’s lives. He is survived by his many nieces and nephews he held dear, and in particular, Genevieve Poente, for her kind devotion and care of the entire family. The family is honored by their lineage and endeavor to continue to make Natalio proud by striving to uphold his fundamental beliefs in family, business and civics.

Natalio’s journey through life exemplifies the greatest generation of our time and is a model for all future generations as a story of triumph over adversity. Natalio’s ambition, derived from need ingrained by the Great Depression, combined with his developed fortitude and skill empowered him to achieve greatness beyond his childhood expectations. Natalio shined shoes for a nickel as a boy and then advanced to helping his brother run a South End gas station. Natalio was self-educated and excelled at mathematics. In 1943, 2 months before his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Marine Corps to join the war effort like his brothers before him. Natalio attained the rank of Sergeant and the class of an expert rifleman. Nate was honorably discharged as a WWII Veteran yet continued to live Semper Fidelis at home- never forgetting his comrades, country or family.

Natalio was honest, hardworking and exacting in detail throughout his career. Nate had unmatched business acumen and understood both aspects of business- vocation and finance. Natalio’s vocation as a mason and proud union bricklayer progressed into his own general contracting company in 1955- Gomes Construction. Natalio was most proud of his 1961 partnership, Deloid & Gomes, which was a union engineering and construction powerhouse until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 45. Nate never really retired and continued working as a construction consultant, as an assistant Registrar of Deeds with his brother John, helping friends and family start their own businesses, and always lending a helping hand. Nate was a lifetime member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Union Local 39 and taught numerous apprentices the trade. D & G Construction was known for its impeccable bricklaying and efficient completion of jobs on time and under budget- Nate’s passion. D & G built many local churches, synagogues, schools, banks, restaurants, dealerships and his prized telephone company buildings. Nonetheless, he never forgot his foundation of experience began practicing with stairs on material-only contracts, a gratuitous opportunity from Dot’s step-father to enter the Union, being an employed bricklayer on large projects such as a monastery with beautiful brick arches and the New Bedford Superior Court addition, and performing side-jobs in order to establish his own company. In short, Nate defined “working hard,” turned misfortune into opportunity, measured everything and took only calculated risks, trusted, appointed and motivated only the right people qualified for the job, and independently verified anything that was associated to his name. The family thanks all of his employees and in particular his loyal crane operator John (Bud) Pimental. The quality construction projects Natalio has developed will continue to stand for many years, but his legacy will endure further as he was a rare and remarkable man, marine, friend, brother, husband, father, pepe, grandfather, bricklayer, union-member, boss, selectman, and businessman.

Natalio committed himself to public service as a statesman based on his own principles and not that of a politician. Nate detested those who sought to abuse the political system for self-interest and ran a platform of open government and conservative fiscal policy focused on the needs of the people first. Natalio served the Town of Acushnet as Selectmen from 1975-78. He was instrumental in the creation of the Acushnet Housing Authority and served as its first chairman. Natalio supervised the entire 100% state funded construction project daily and ensured it was completed ahead of schedule as if it was his own contract. In 2011, the Housing Authority recognized Natalio for his years of service and commitment in establishing the Housing Authority with a dedication of naming the community center after him, the “Nate Gomes” Community Center.

Nate is most memorable for his cool blue eyes, big smile, and even bigger heart. Natalio lived a simple life and was most happy spending time with his wife, family, and friends. His favorite past-times were family gatherings and trips, winters in Florida, boating, hunting in Maine, playing cards with the gang, golfing whenever he could, and sharing time with his friends.

The Gomes family appreciates the care and assistance of Cedar Dell, Royal of Fairhaven, and the Community Nurse, with particular thanks to JoAnn H.

Memorial visiting hours will be Sunday, May 21, 2017, at the Perry Funeral home 111 Dartmouth, Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 from 4pm to 6pm. His funeral Mass will be Monday, May 22, 2017, at Saint Francis Xavier Parish 125 Main Street, Acushnet, MA 02743 at 10:00a.m. The family respectfully requests a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, as Natalio’s favorite gardener, Doris has the selection covered, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or locally, in support of Christine (Amaral) Vaughan and her family via www.gofundme.com/help-christine-to-see-her-baby.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. For online condolences and directions please see our website at: www.perryfuneral.com