Ronald Gonsalves Sr.

Taunton – Ronald A. Gonsalves, Sr., age 88, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, after a brief illness. Ron was born in New Bedford, MA, the eldest son of the late Anthony and Marion (Reis) Gonsalves. After more than 40 years in the trade, Ron retired from his position as a building superintendent with Macomber Construction in Boston in 2000. He was a proud member of the Laborers’ Union Local 721. He found success in his trade at a young age, working his way through general labor, concrete work, and masonry. There are many institutions throughout the state which can be attributed to Ron’s talent in concrete construction. An avid sports fan, Ron was a talented multisport athlete well into his adult life. He played professional fastpitch softball as a renowned first baseman for Rofor out of Brockton. In addition, Ron played semi-professional football for the Middleboro Oilers. Ron played on several other local and club basketball teams. Many will remember Ron for his lifelong love of sports, whether local or professional, and his unwavering support of the New England Patriots. During his early retirement, Ron could often be found supporting local teams in the area. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Patricia (Wright) Gonsalves. They built a life together in Taunton, MA. He is also survived by his four children, Deborah Reis of Brockton; Ronald A. ‘Skip’ Gonsalves, Jr., and his partner Olga Taylor-Ramirez of Brockton; Susan Daley and her husband Dan of Bridgewater; and Jessica Benedito and her husband Danny of New Bedford. Being a grandfather was one of Ron’s greatest joys. He was the proud grandfather of Lindsay J. Cabrera of Virginia Beach, VA; Derek Baker of Brockton; Hanna Gonsalves-Dowling of Wareham; Marisa Milero of Middleboro; Devin Daley of Bridgewater; and Lily Benedito of New Bedford, and great-grandfather of Damare Baker; Jordan and Kobi Cabrera, and Walter Gonsalves-Dowling. He was predeceased by his youngest sister, Marie (Gonsalves) Klabanos, and is survived by his remaining siblings Barbara (Gonsalves) Penna of Shrewsbury; Anthony Gonsalves, Jr. of Ocala, FL; and Joyce (Gonsalves) Martins of Taunton. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, many of whom will attest to him being the original ‘fun uncle’. He was known in our family for playing practical jokes, pranking us all at every opportunity, and doing just about anything to get a rise out of those around him to bring a smile to their faces. Many found themselves on the receiving end of his ketchup prank on more occasions than they would like to admit. He was never shy about telling those around him how much he loved them, a trait carried on proudly by his children. In lieu of flowers or donations, Ron’s family asks that you honor his memory by spending time with those closest to you, as time is one of life’s most valuable and irreplaceable resources. Ron found the most joy in this life by bringing a laugh to the table and a smile to the faces of those he loved. Whether you knew him for a short time or for your entire life, neither were long enough. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Morton Hospital, as well as O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home for their compassion and heartfelt care during this difficult time. Funeral from the O’Keefe Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780 on Monday, December 30th at 10 am. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Taunton at 11 am. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Taunton. Relatives and friends are also invited to visiting hours on Sunday from 2-5 pm.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Gonsalves Sr., please visit our floral store.