Obituary of Joseph A. Gomes

Joseph A. Gomes, 81, of Clermont, FL, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, FL.  Born on May 12, 1935 in Carbondale, PA to the proud parents of Manuel & Mary (Miletta) Gomes, Joe was a retired computer salesman.  In his career, he was recognized as "Salesman of the World" by ICL.  In 2005, he moved to Clermont, coming from Ballston Lake.  He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Clermont and a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Round Lake.  A U.S. Army Veteran, Joe lived a full life.  He was a longtime member of the Edison Country Club in Rexford, NY, a member of the Retired NFL Players Association, a member of the City of Legends, and was elected to the Newark NJ Athletic Hall of Fame, where he earned All State Honors in High School.  His football career continued as a member of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, where he played from 57-60 and was a member of the 1958 team that was nationally ranked 15th at the end of the season.  While there, he was a member and became President of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon.  After college, he was drafted by the Vince Lombardi Green Bay Packers in 1960.  He also was involved in many organizations during his time living in Kings Ridge. He was an avid golfer and pinochle player.  A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Joe enjoyed being with and attending his children’s and grand children’s events. Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mabel W. Gomes, whom he married on April 18, 1960; his parents; his brothers: Alfred, Anthony & John Gomes and a sister, Arminda Popek. Survivors include his loving children: Janet Gomes of Clifton Park; Joseph A. Gomes Jr. of Poestenkill, and Christopher (Shelly) Gomes of Alpharetta, GA; his eight grandchildren: Arielle, Whitney, Jennifer, Kari, Joseph A. III, Alexis, Garrett & Matthew; and his ten great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews and in-laws.  He also is survived by his longtime companion, Sally Gay of Clermont, FL.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 8, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake.  Interment will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery following Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's honor to the Albany Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Avenue Albany, NY 12208 (rmhcofalbany.org).