http://archive.southcoasttoday.com/daily/02-99/02-12-99/zzzddobi.htm#XINDEX9 Antonio Gomes, 90  NEW BEDFORD -- Antonio "Totoi" Gomes, 90, who was known for ministering to the poor, homeless and sick for much of his life, died at home Thursday, Feb. 11, 1999. He was the husband of Maria L. (Fortes) Gomes and son of the late Gregorio and Floripa (Martin) Gomes. Mr. Gomes was a familiar face around New Bedford because he often walked to the hospital and nursing homes to visit daily with the sick and aged. "I'm going to die with my shoes on," he said when interviewed by The Standard-Times in 1985. "The good Lord keeps me going and that's it. I live for people." Born in Brava, Cape Verde, he had lived in New Bedford for much of his life. His life of service began more than 80 years ago when he helped a priest at the Portuguese Mission on Second Street build a basketball court for poor youngsters. Mr. Gomes worked as a custodian for the Boys Club of New Bedford for many years and was employed in the shipping department of Aerovox Corp. for 20 years until he retired. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, where he served as a lay Eucharistic minister, bringing holy communion to the sick and aged. He was a member of the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of the Assumption, and a fourth-degree member and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Medeiros Council. He was awarded the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin and he also received the Jeremiah F. Minihan Award of the Massachusetts State Council of the Knights of Columbus for his service to others. He was considered a pillar of his church and attended many funerals throughout New Bedford and the surrounding towns during the past 50 years, his family said. Survivors include his widow; a sister, Maria Gonsalves of Niantic, Conn.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the brother of the late George Gomes and Laura Lomba. His funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, followed by burial in St. John's Cemetery. The arrangements are by Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St. |