John Gonsalves

BORN: November 12, 1917
DIED: November 3, 2009
LOCATION: San Leandro, CA

Share This Tribute

Convey Your Sympathy

Personalized sympathy cards at Cardstore.com

Build A Family Tree

John Gonsalves

Build John's Family Tree on Ancestry.com

Book Bereavement Travel

Priceline.com Airfare - Choose your EXACT flight & time!

Obituary
Funeral Services
Life Images
Memory Book

Memories & Candles

“Our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family, and to Mary. We send our love and gratitude to you all for allowing us to be a part of... Read More » ”
1 of 11 | Posted by: Tyrone, Brenda, and Alex Mc Ghee CA

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Gonsalves family during this time of sadness. May God be with you and guide you. ”
2 of 11 | Posted by: Steve and Patti Mortensen CA

“May God give you a blessed resting place. ”
3 of 11 | Posted by: Laura Medeiros Gustine CA

“You are in our thoughts,may God bless you and your family. ”
4 of 11 | Posted by: Joyce & Richard Caetano CA

“I'm always saddened by the loss of a friend's loved one. I'm a cycling friend (and fellow Francophile) of Patricia and want to offer my deepest... Read More » ”
5 of 11 | Posted by: Rick Jones CA

“I love you Grandpa! You have taught us many life-long lessons; thank you. You are forever with us. ”
6 of 11 | Posted by: Joanna Gonsalves San Jose CA

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I've been through it, so I know the feelings. (I'm a teacher friend of Patricia's.) I'm very sorry... Read More » ”
7 of 11 | Posted by: Martha Gonzalez San Leandro CA

“Thank you for the legacy you leave behind, the wonderful people that are your family. It's a rare man that has a precious wife, who together can... Read More » ”
8 of 11 | Posted by: The Uhrich Family CA

“Thank You Poppy for everything . Your work is done. It's time to rest. Miss you terribly. Love you Patricia ”
9 of 11 | Posted by: Patricia Gonsalves Alameda CA

“We love you Dad! ”
10 of 11 | Posted by: John and Nancy Gonsalves CA

“Dear Dad, I miss you so much. Thank you for showing me the way to live with faith, dignity and courage. We'll take care of Mom. Love, Liz ”
11 of 11 | Posted by: ELIZABETH HANZEL San Leandro CA

JOHN GONSALVES John peacefully entered perpetual light November 3 surrounded by family and friends. He was born at home in Lowell, Massachusetts to João and Madalena Gonçalves on November 11, 1917, though his birthday was registered as November 12. He married Mary J. Gouveia on June 9, 1946, at St. Anthony's Church, Lowell, Massachusetts. Their 63 year love begot Anne Marie, John, Elizabeth, Michael, Margaret and Patricia. Eight grandchildren, devoted sons and daughters in law, his youngest brother Sabino and wife Alice Gonsalves, and numerous friends survive him. John was an active member of St. Louis Bertrand Parish in Oakland for 64 years serving in the Dads' Club and Holy Name Society. He was among the men who obtained pledges that funded the building of the current edifice. John was a Third Degree, Knight of Columbus, Oakland Council #784. He was a devoted member of the Hands of Friendship. In the 1950s he was a founding organizer and life member of the American Federation of Government Employees at Oakland Naval Supply Center, Local No. 1533. In the 1930s John served in the Civilian Conservation Corps 1183 Company, Charlemont, Massachusetts. As one of the "Greatest Generation" during World War II, John proudly served as a Machinist's Mate, First Class, in the United States Coast Guard's legendary "Greenland Patrol" aboard the USS Nanok. He was a life member of the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association. His love for mechanics and the automobile was evident early in life when at age 12, he owned his first car, registering it to his mother. Over his lifetime he perfected his talent repairing all sorts of vehicles for friends and family. He was employed at Oakland Naval Supply Center as a Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic for 32 years, and later for Bigge Crane Certification Company as a Crane Surveyor for 10 years. In the 1950s he could be found fine-tuning hardtop cars that would later race at the Oakland Speedway. His grandson, Christopher, helped realize John's lifelong wish to attend the Indianapolis 500 when in 2008 accompanied by his son, Michael, grandson, Christopher, and son-in-law, Henry Hanzel, the once in a lifetime adventure was accomplished. Friends are invited to Santos-Robinson Mortuary, 160 Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro, Sunday, November 8 for viewing at noon to 5 pm And a vigil at 2pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 9 at 10 am at St. Louis Bertrand Church, 1410 100th Avenue, Oakland, California interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward, California In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hands of Friendship, c/o Jerry Higgins, Secretary, 28363 Murcia Street, Hayward, CA 94544-6251.

Memories & Candles

Page: 1 of 2

View All

Our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family, and to Mary. We send our love and gratitude to you all for allowing us to be a part of your family for so many years. What a blessing to be in the midst of such love. "Johnny Blue Eyes" has been eternally blessed, and will be missed greatly.
Posted by: Tyrone, Brenda, and Alex Mc Ghee San Leandro, CA Nov 10, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Gonsalves family during this time of sadness. May God be with you and guide you.
Posted by: Steve and Patti Mortensen Fresno, CA Nov 09, 2009

May God give you a blessed resting place.
Posted by: Laura Medeiros Gustine, CA Nov 07, 2009

You are in our thoughts,may God bless you and your family.
Posted by: Joyce & Richard Caetano Gustine, CA Nov 07, 2009

I'm always saddened by the loss of a friend's loved one. I'm a cycling friend (and fellow Francophile) of Patricia and want to offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Patricia's father. Rick Jones
Posted by: Rick Jones CA Nov 06, 2009

I love you Grandpa! You have taught us many life-long lessons; thank you. You are forever with us.
Posted by: Joanna Gonsalves San Jose, CA Nov 06, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I've been through it, so I know the feelings. (I'm a teacher friend of Patricia's.) I'm very sorry for your loss. It's difficult at any age.
Posted by: Martha Gonzalez San Leandro, CA Nov 06, 2009

Thank you for the legacy you leave behind, the wonderful people that are your family. It's a rare man that has a precious wife, who together can create five children who are such a gift to those they know. Thank you also for all of the smiles over the years. We'll always remember you. Love, Larry, Anna, Grant & Eden Uhrich
Posted by: The Uhrich Family CA Nov 06, 2009

Thank You Poppy for everything . Your work is done. It's time to rest. Miss you terribly. Love you Patricia
Posted by: Patricia Gonsalves Alameda, CA Nov 06, 2009

We love you Dad!
Posted by: John and Nancy Gonsalves Twain Harte, CA Nov 06, 2009

Page: 1 of 2

View All

Obituaries

John Gonsalves

Share This Tribute

Convey Your Sympathy

Build A Family Tree

Book Bereavement Travel

Memories & Candles

Only the main photo has been provided by the family or the funeral home.

Memories & Candles

Funeral Service: