Alfred Gonsalves

He was born in New Bedford, MA and was a first generation American born to parents Miquelina and Frank Gonsalves. Alfred’s parents immigrated from Portugal in the early nineteen hundreds.

Alfred was a man of many talents. He became well known in the New Bedford area as an accomplished jazz guitarist and held weekly jam sessions at his home. His children were lulled to sleep listening to old jazz standards. He was also an avid table tennis player and played competitively at the Portuguese American club in New Bedford.

After marrying the love of his life, Claire Jeanne Dumas, he was granted a plot of land in Acushnet from his mother and father and decided to build a house for his wife and two children. He built the house with very little help which included digging the foundation by hand and educated himself so that he could do the plumbing and electrical work himself.

He proved to be an astute business man when he inherited a general store from his father in the early 1950’s which became known as Bellville Avenue Hardware in the north end of New Bedford. He was held in high regard in the Portuguese community and always found a way to help those in need. In the 1960’s he owned and operated Acushnet Auto sales while still running the hardware store.

Alfred’s parents brought the art of wine making with them to America and passed the knowledge on to their son. Alfred planted grape vines and continued the craft. He was know for producing a strong Port wine which many of his and his children’s friends would attest to after just one glass.

Alfred loved to tell jokes, and always had his family and friends laughing. He made a mean cheese omelet which his children and grandchildren requested often. He was a dedicated husband and father and providing for his family was always a top priority. He was extremely generous with his family and friends.

Alfred was recently widowed by his wife of 80 years and is survived by his daughter Kathleen Farrell, his son Stephen Gonsalves, his grandchildren Kelly Farrell-Sexton, William Anthony Farrell, Holly Berardi and Steve Gonsalves along with three great grandchildren, Josette Seraphine Sexton, Adamo Berardi and Noah Berardi.

He will be forever missed and often remembered by all who love him, of which there are many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 8, 2023 at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Parish, Main St., Acushnet. Burial will follow in Tabor Cemetery. Arrangements are by Waring-Sullivan at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online tribute: www.waring-sullivan.com.