John P. Goncalo

Portsmouth, RI - John P. Goncalo, 90, of 1302 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, passed away peacefully Friday, July 25, 2008 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Somerset, MA on May 1, 1918, he was the son of the late Manuel and Rosalina Cabral-DeMello Goncalo.At the age of 18 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He became a firefighter at the Melville Fire Station in 1943. He was a uniform fitter at the Navy Exchange uniform shop from May 1953 to October 1981. He married his beloved wife and dance partner, Helen B. Matose on November 3, 1945. They have been a devoted and loving couple for 62 years. They enjoyed dancing traveling and sharing every moment together. Since John was born the year the Red Sox won their first world series in 1918 he has been an avid fan and enjoyed watching them win the championship twice more. Besides his adoring wife, he leaves his beloved daughter, Helen T. Steeves and beloved grandson Rocky Steeves and bonus granddaughter Tara, Rockys wife. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. His nephew Rev. Albert Sylvia will officiate at his funeral mass.He is predeceased by his brothers Manuel and Tony Goncalo and two sisters Alexandrina Quental and MaryJo Sylvia. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at 10:00 am from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Patricks Cemetery in Fall River, MA.Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 28, 2008, from 4-7pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Wagon Fund, P.O. Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871.