Lawrence Gomes Obituary

Lawrence (Larry) Gomes, age 70, a loving husband, father and grandfather entered eternal life on Thursday, January 4, 2024. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born on August 4, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Martha and Joseph Gomes. He grew up in a large family being the oldest brother of nine siblings. As a young man he served as an altar boy for four years at Saint Mary's Church and was a Boy Scout in the church sponsored Troop 6. He was a loving husband to his wife Kate of 39 years, father to his two nephews, Daniel and Brian O'Reilly, and grandfather to his grandson Dustin O'Reilly.

As a dedicated family man, Larry spent countless hours with his family exploring New Hampshire, visiting Block Island, and many other adventures. He loved the outdoors, especially at the controls of his snowmobile and at the helm of a sailboat. Through all these experiences, his family remembers his tremendous knowledge, mentorship, and always to expect the unexpected.

Larry was always very self-motivated and driven. He attended the University of Rhode Island with the intent of majoring in forestry. However, at that time URI began a new course of study in computer programming. Larry was one of the first students to enroll in the program which set the course for the rest of his entire career.

He started working as a programmer for Amica Insurance and then Keane Associates. With that experience, he started his first business, the software consulting company Independent Data Services (IDS). He met Kate at a consulting job in 1978 and later married. As trusted business partners, they grew IDS to employ over 15 people with their software being used in brokerage houses in Toronto, New York City, London, and Hong Kong. Larry founded and ran several other successful companies including Canvas Link and Canvas Loft.

Larry had many passions, but one of his greatest was sailing. At 14 years old, he started as a dock boy and launch driver at the Bristol Yacht Club. His service to the club continued over 40 years as a lifetime member. He donated his time and expertise to the club through many volunteer positions including serving on the waterfront and grounds committees.

He was an avid and accomplished sailor. Larry and Kate enjoyed sailing their 36-foot Pearson Sailboat along most of the east coast to the Florida Keys and out to the Bahamas. Larry also competed in many sailing competitions, some overnight, with his father Joe, family, and friends winning many awards including the Sid Clark Memorial.

His love for the outdoors was not limited to being on the water. He was an active member and leader in several New Hampshire trail clubs promoting snowmobile and ATV sports. He was the assistant director of the Coos County Snowmobile Association, trail master for the Milan Trail Huggers, assistant trail master for the White Mountain Ridge Runners, and groomer operator for the White Mountain Ridge Runners and Groveton Trail Blazers.

Larry was also the founding member of the Jericho Warming hut. He led the effort to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and obtain permits for its construction. Larry loved being in the woods and extended his service to the clubs through organizing trail cutting teams, leading the construction of trail bridges, and many other activities.

He contributed untold hours to his community including serving as the president for the South Pond Association and fund raising for Camp SnowMo benefiting children in need. Larry and Kate were also Pew Owners at the Stark Union Church.

Larry will always be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend and mentor to all he met. He is survived by his wife Kate, his two nephews: Daniel O'Reilly (Kathryn) along with Daniel's son Dustin O'Reilly, and Brian O'Reilly (Andrea). He is also survived by his mother, Martha (DuPonte) Gomes, and his brothers and sisters: Rosemary Pelissier (Joseph), Celia Gomes (Gerry Payette), David Gomes, Stephen Gomes, Andrew Gomes (Heather), Robert Gomes (Teresa), Matthew Gomes and Anita Marshall, as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Larry was predeceased by his father, Joseph Gomes.

The wake will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 9 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, Bristol, RI. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM, at St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol, RI. Mass will be live streamed on St. Mary's Church, Bristol, RI Facebook page. A private burial will take place at a later date.