Rui DaSilva Gomes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, after bravely battling Dementia and Alzheimer disease. He was 85 years old.
Visiting will be Wednesday July 3rd from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Stephens Church and interment at Holy Cross Cemetery
Rui is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Maria Helena Gomes, his children Elsa Shirey (nee Gomes) and Rui Joao Gomes, son-in-law Robert Shirey, grandchildren George O’Brien and Julia O’Brien, and his sister, Maria Amelia Machado (nee Gomes).
Rui was born on September 4, 1938, in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal. As a young man, he traveled south to pursue his future, where he met Maria Helena. He served honorably in the Portuguese military and later worked for three years in a diamond mine in Africa.
In pursuit of a better future for his family, Rui emigrated to the United States in 1970. He settled in New Jersey and dedicated himself to a career at CP Chemical, where he worked diligently for 30 years until his retirement.
Outside of work, Rui found joy in spending time in his garden and creating a warm home for his family. He was a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering support for his loved ones. A man of integrity and kindness, Rui touched the lives of all who knew him. His warm smile and strong but gentle nature will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
