Joseph M. “Joe” Gomes, a lifelong resident of Stoughton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday February 15,2004 at the Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. He was 82 years old. He was the husband of the late Ruth L. (Fratus) with whom he was married to for 49 years.
Born April 1, 1921, in New Bedford,MA, he was the son of the late Mr. Manuel A. and Mrs. Sebastiana C. (Fernandes) Gomes.
After attending public school, Mr. Gomes entered the U.S. Army and later retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.
Upon returning from active duty with the U.S. Army, Mr. Gomes became the Business partner of the late Joseph “Joe” Silva and together established the Former Joe’s Shell Gas Station off Rt. 138 in Stoughton. Later Mr. Gomes became the proprietor of Joe’s Gulf Station, which he operated for over 30 years.
He was the proud founder and owner of the former Veteran’s Taxi Co. in Stoughton also.
Mr. Gomes was very active in the Stoughton community and in town government. He was a 28 year member of the Stoughton Council On Aging, Former member and past Chairman of the Stoughton Board Of Selectmen, Member of the Stoughton Housing Authority, Stoughton Democratic Town Committee member, Past Chairman of the Stoughton Redevelopement Authority, former Town Meeting Representative, past member of the Stoughton Zoning Board of Appeals. He was also a former member of the Stoughton Fair Housing Committee.
Mr. Gomes was also a member of the American Legion Post 89 in Stoughton.
He was a Handyman, and enjoyed working outdoors very much.
He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Stoughton.
He is survived by his son: Joseph E. Gomes and his wife Carol of Methuen,MA Daughters: Debra M. Ellis and her husband James, Barbara G. Hersee and her husband Scott and Andrea L. Coates and her husband Jonathan all of Stoughton. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren, many nieces and many nephews. He was the brother of the late Manuel Gomes of Portugal.
His funeral will be at 8 A.M. Thursday from the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton, followed by a Mass Of Christian Burial at 9 A.M. in St. James Catholic Church, 542 Page Street, North Stoughton. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Stoughton. Visiting hours are on Wednesday from 4-8 P.M.In lieu of flowers: donations to the Friends For Seniors, PO Box 111, Stoughton,MA 02072, in Joe’s memory, would be appreciated.