Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great-Grandfather

LOWELL – James J. Gonsalves, 84, a longtime Lowell resident, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Beverly A. (Lawson) Gonsalves, with whom he would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 23, 2025.

Born in Lowell on March 19, 1940, he was a son and one of twelve children of the late Manuel and Della (Rosa) Gonsalves.

Mr. Gonsalves grew up in Lowell and attended Lowell schools.

In his younger years, his grandparents, John and Emilia Rosa helped raise him.

He worked as a vending machine mechanic for the former Servomation Company for 35 years prior to their closing. Following, he decided to be proactive and enrolled at the Peterson School to become trained in HVAC. He was one of the senior students at the school, but excelled in his training and went to work for 10 years with Winchester Mechanical before retiring early due to heart issues.

In his spare time Mr. Gonsalves enjoyed fishing, watching boxing, sci-fi movies and documentaries. He was also an avid bird watcher and loved feeding the variety of birds that came to the feeder in his yard.

In addition to his wife he leaves four children and their spouses, Deborah and Glenn McKiel of South Pasadena, FL, James and Cheryl Gonsalves of Nashua, Lisa Bordeleau of Nashua, NH and Robin and Chris Gonyea of Lowell; nine grandchildren, Joshua, Jonathan, Kevin, Kymberly, Emily, Krista, Cypress, Hannah and Haley; two great-grandchildren, Thomas, Jr. and Diamond. He also leaves two sisters, Antoinette Hamblett and her husband Buddy and Barbara Jewell; two brothers and their spouses, Frank and Barbara Gonsalves and Thomas and Melody Gonsalves.

He was predeceased by his son-in-law, David Bordeleau, sisters and brothers, Theresa, Rita, Beatrice, Mary, Manuel, John and Joseph.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. Gonsalves’ Life Celebration on Thursday from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. His Funeral Service will be held on Friday morning at 11 AM in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Westlawn II Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854. For condolences and directions, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.