Antonio Soares Gomes

Antonio Soares Gomes, 92, of New Bedford passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023 in his beloved home surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of Natalia (Riscado) Gomes with whom he shared 62 years of marriage and whom he knew since early childhood .

Born in Ribeirinha Pico Azores, a son of the late Manuel and Claudina (Gomes) Gomes. Mr Gomes left Pico after being drafted and assigned to the base in Terceira Azores , where he would remain until emigrating to the US in 1967 with his family . While in Terceira, Mr Gomes ran a small local grocery store with his sister Maria and her husband. In the United States Mr. Gomes worked as a weaver for Berkshire Hathaway and thoroughly enjoyed it. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, starting his seedlings every February, making wine, cooking, walking, and having pruning contests with his wife. He had a true love for animals and was always giving to those in need. He was an avid follower of international news but believed strongly in making small impacts where he lived. Mr. Gomes, like Voltaire’s Candide, believed in tending to his own garden. And he did in many ways. One of the proudest and most profound moments in his life was when he voted for the first time. He never missed an election until 2023 when he became ill.

Antonio was always kind and grateful to those who cared for him and was one of the favorite patients to his medical teams in the area. He thoroughly enjoyed watching soccer but nothing gave him greater joy or happiness than his grandchildren. He retired when his grandson was born and enjoyed a long retirement devoted to his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Fatima da Silva Gomes of New Bedford; Isabel Gomes McCann and her husband Damien of Rochester ; his beloved grandchildren, Ian Antonio Gomes McCann and Eva Angeline Riscado McCann; and many nieces and nephews in Canada , Portugal and the UK . He helped raise and was predeceased by his nephew Mario Ribeiro of Canada. Mr Gomes was also pre deceased by his siblings ; Manuel , Maria , Rosa , Silvina, Deolinda , Rosalina, Angelina, Joao , Claudina , José. He is survived by his sisters Ilena and Fatima of Pico. He also leaves behind Maria de Araujo whom he loved as a daughter and saw almost everyday . Mr. Gomes lost many locall friends and cousins he adored but his much younger neighbor , Carlos Riquinha , made sure Mr. Gomes never got lonely. They spent many days on Mr. Gomes patio. Mr. Gomes would often work his day around Carlos’ visits.

Mr. Gomes never wanted anyone or anything to go hungry. Though his arch enemies were the rabbits in his yard who ate his kale, he always gave them water in the heat of summer and made sure they had access to his shed for bad weather. Therefore, if you would like to do something in his honor, he would have loved a donation to World Central Kitchen, your local food pantry or your local animal shelter. He would have been so grateful.

Mr Gomes was also kept company for decades, sharing his life and holidays, with Edward and Tony Viveiros whom he loved like grandchildren and whom he had known since birth. They were his family in the US and they brought him decades of joy and love.

His services are private and under the direction of Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. For online tribute: www.rock-funeralhome.com