Ricardo “Rocky” Gomes, 77, passed away on Dec. 15, 2024, in Upland Calif. He was born on Nov. 14, 1947, in Plymouth to James J. and Mary (Molly) Fernandes Gomes of North Carver.
Rocky attended the Governor John Carver School and graduated from Plymouth Carver Regional High School, class of 1965. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton in 1970 and became a lifelong member of the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In 1985, Rocky earned a master’s degree in health and physical education from Bridgewater State College.
Rocky married Linda Amado in 1969 and together they raised two sons: Ricardo J. Gomes, Jr. and Randy Jay Gomes. He was a devoted father who loved spending time with his sons and instilled in them his passion for sports – especially the Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, and in general, “all things New England”.
In 1971, Rocky was drafted into the US. Army and served in Germany as an artillery fire and direction specialist. He also served as a drug and alcohol counselor and became the first drug and alcohol special to be awarded an Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding performance and dedication.
Rocky, also known as “Coach,” celebrated a long career in high school athletics. His teaching and coaching career began in Dayton Public Schools where, for six years, he coached middle school football, basketball, volleyball, and track before returning to his beloved Carver to work in both Plymouth and Carver public schools. At Carver High School, he served as a teacher, coach, and athletic director of middle and high school sports. Rocky coached basketball, wrestling, cross country, and high school track and field. He was also active at the state level, serving on the Massachusetts state cross country and track and field committee, and as a member of the Carver High School superintendent’s task force on diversity.
Rocky was honored by the Eastern Mass. Association of football and basketball officials for his valuable contribution to high school athletics, and in 2001 he received the President’s Merit of Honor award for service to his school and community. In December 2005, before retiring from the Carver school system, Rocky established an athletic scholarship fund for deserving high school seniors. On Sept. 13, 2010, he was recognized and inducted into the Carver Athletic Hall of Fame.
Outside of school athletics, Rocky also served in a variety of roles locally. He was a lifetime member of the Massachusetts St. John’s Cape Verdean Association and chair of the Cape Verdean American scholarship Committee. Rocky was a lifetime member of the St. John’s Club of Carver and served as a lector and member of the pastoral council at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, In his spare time, Rocky enjoyed golfing, as well as serving as an AAA driving instructor and director of the Carver youth summer camp and summer youth employment program.
Following retirement, Rocky moved to Los Angles, where he continued his role as an educator by becoming a docent at the Santa Monica Museum of Art. In 2008, he met Ann Marie Ellis and after discovering that they had much in common, including hiking, cycling, volunteering, and outdoor recreation, they married in 2013. Rocky and Ann were active members at the Verve City Church in Chino California and Rocky was always excited to share the “good news” of Christ Jesus in the US and abroad. He fulfilled this passion by eagerly participating on mission trips to Cambodia, St. Lucia, and the Cape Verde Islands.
Rocky leaves behind a legacy of love for is family and for his faith in our lord and savior Jesus. He is survived by his wife Ann Marie, sons Ricky (Aixa) and Randy; stepdaughters Stephanie (Walter) and Gina (Roger); sister Wendy; granddaughters Hailey, Jaelyn, Whiney, and Arianna; grandson Austin; great-grandchildren Kyrie and Carter; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
To this day, many still refer to Rocky as “Coach” or Mr. Gomes and have numerous stories and adventures of how he impacted their lives. Rocky chose to live a life that mattered. He finished his life strong and his presence will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Rocky’s life will take place on Saturday May 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Carver High School track field. (Wear your favorite sports attire.). All are welcome to attend. He will be laid to rest with a private burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Carver.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home in Plymouth.