Lt. Jose C. Gonsalves

Lt. Jose C. Gonsalves (Ret.) passed away on December 13, 2025, following a courageous battle with vascular dementia, with his devoted wife and loved ones by his side.

Born on May 22, 1947, he was the son of the late Joseph M. and Emily (DePina Reis) Gonsalves. He was the brother of the late Joyce (Gonsalves) Russos and Joseph Manual Gonsalves. Jose was raised in New Bedford and attended Betsy B. Winslow School, Keith Junior High School, and New Bedford High School. He graduated from NBHS in 1965, where he played football and ran track, and later became a proud member of the NBHS Gridiron Club.

Jose went on to earn a business degree from Southern Massachusetts University in 1969. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen R. Osborne in 1970, and together they built a life of love, family, and devotion for 55 years.

In 1971, Jose began his distinguished career with the Massachusetts State Police. Over the course of 39 years of service, he was assigned to the Bourne, Middleboro, and Dartmouth barracks. He then joined the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, where he worked tirelessly as a detective alongside his partner, Mary Ann Dill. In 1995, he was promoted to Lieutenant and became the Commander of the Dartmouth Barracks for 15 years, a role he held with pride and dedication until his retirement.

A man of deep faith in Christ, Jose devoted his life to serving others. He possessed a rare gift for comforting families during their most difficult moments, offering compassion, guidance, and understanding. Known for his warmth and approachability, he seemed to know everyone and was affectionately referred to as "the mayor" by friends and colleagues. He lived his life grounded in trust, kindness, respect and humility.

Jose served his community with generosity and dedication. He was a devoted board member of Nativity Preparatory School, proudly served as President of the New Bedford High School Basketball Boosters, and worked closely with New Bedford Vocational Technical High School through SkillsUSA, always supporting and uplifting local youth. Above all, the work Jose cherished most was through his longstanding involvement with the Greater New Bedford Boys & Girls Club, where he served as a board member and presiding president for many years. He also created the annual Barracks Christmas Party, which brought together retired state troopers to celebrate the season while collecting toys for children served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Bedford, Fall River, and Wareham, The New Bedford Women's Center, and Child and Family Services.

An avid athlete, Jose loved playing basketball in various leagues for the enjoyment, camaraderie, and exercise it provided. His favorite was the Blacktop League, and he deeply valued the many friendships he formed through every men's basketball league he played in. He took great pride in watching his children compete in sports, passing along his athletic talent and love of competition.

Jose is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; his sister, Ann (Gonsalves) Martin; and his children: Kurtis Gonsalves and his wife Jessica, Jocelyn Suneson and her husband Peter, Mark Gonsalves and his wife Ashley, and Kristen Britto and her husband Eric. He was a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Eleanor Gonsalves, Josephine Gonsalves, Kathleen Suneson, Megan Suneson, Peter Suneson, Lydia Britto, Fiona Britto, Mia Gonsalves, Elizabeth Suneson, Anders Suneson, Emma Gonsalves, Hollis Gonsalves, Jeffrey Gonsalves, and Jenna Gonsalves.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of the Cottages of Dartmouth Village for their unwavering patience, gentle compassion, and exceptional care of Jose during the past year.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday December 18th at 10 AM at St. John Neumann Church, East Freetown. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday December 17th from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jose's memory to the Greater New Bedford Boys and Girls Club and State Police Benevolent Association. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.