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.
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