Mathew William Gonsalves
September 7, 1930 – February 15, 2018
Resident of Concord, CA
Mathew William Gonsalves passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, February 15, 2018 in Walnut Creek, California. Matt was born in Oakland, California to Matheus and Mary Gonsalves on September 7, 1930. Matt graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland, California in 1948, where he served as the Student Body President during his senior year. He married his high school sweetheart, Marlene, on June 10, 1950. They were married for 65 years. Matt was a proud member of The United States Airforce from 1952 to 1953. Matt and Marlene moved to Concord, California in 1954 where they raised their three children Steve, Karen and Janice.
In 1959, Matt founded Conco Cement Company with his two brothers, Will and Mel, along with his two high school friends, Gerald and Ray Santucci. That company is known today as The Conco Companies.
Conco has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Matt have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Matt's spirit will forever be the foundation of Conco. The construction industry and community are immeasurably better because of Matt. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Matt lived a life of open hearted generosity, of love & care for all who met him – be it for an hour, a day, or a lifetime – teaching us how to live well through his example.
Matt enjoyed his Wednesday Golf/Card day, as well as golf on Saturday and Sunday, and his monthly poker nights. As his health declined, he would meet his high school friends every Saturday for lunch instead of golf. He always looked forward to his annual Memorial Day weekend trip to Lake Tahoe as well as his annual President's Day weekend trip to Cabo San Lucas. He was an Oakland Raider season ticket holder for years and still cheered them on win or lose.
Matt is survived by his sister Margaret Costa and brother Mel Gonsalves, his son Steve Gonsalves (Debra) and daughters Karen Watson (Kirk) and Janice Giacoma. He was Papa to his grandchildren, Kelli Dupell (Josh), Chad Watson (Jennifer), Jennifer Herrera (Brandon) Ashley Murphy (Daniel), Lauren Caldera and Lindsey Caldera. He was "Papa Matt" to his great-grandchildren, Whitney Dupell, Mathew Watson, Alynna Watson, Steven Herrera, Camden Herrera, Harlow Watson, Mason Murphy (Triple M), Andrew Dupell and Baby Murphy #2. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marian Gonsalves and Charleen Gonsalves and many nieces and nephews as well as great- nieces and great-nephews.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Matheus and Mary Gonsalves, his sisters, Alice Souza & Dolores Gonsalves, his brother William Gonsalves, his brother-in-law Earl Costa, and his sister-in-law Diana Sequeira. Marlene, his wife of 65 years, preceded him in death in 2015.
Funeral Services will take place Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, California. A celebration of Matt's extraordinary life will take place immediately following at Conco Aviation Center, 700 Sally Ride Dr. Concord, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Community Youth Center, 2241 Galaxy Court, Concord, CA 94520. www.communityyouthcenter.org
We request you bring your thoughts, prayers and fondest memories of Matt. Remember the happy times and raise a glass with cheer!

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Published by East Bay Times on Feb. 21, 2018.