Joseph Augustine Gomes, 79 of Wurtsboro (Wolf Lake) NY and formerly of New Windsor, entered into rest on Friday, July 21, 2017. The son of the late Fausto and Pauline (Maniscalco) Gomes, he was born on June 16, 1938 in Newburgh, NY.

Joe grew up in the Heights area of Newburgh. While living in the heights he met a girl named Marie Sossi who would later become his wife. They were married in Sacred Heart Church on September 23, 1962.

Joseph graduated from Newburgh Free Academy, and upon graduating he enlisted into the United State Marine Corps where he proudly served his country for the next three years. While in the United States Marines he traveled to the Mediterranean to places like Italy, Greece, Spain and Turkey. He still keeps in touch with some of his Marine Corps buddies. His first job was at Costa Beverages in Newburgh, NY, then his career led him to the United States Military Academy from which he retired from the Carpentry Shop as a Master Craftsman.

Joe was a loving brother, uncle and cousin. He had many friends in New Windsor and Wolf Lake as well as Newburgh. He enjoyed going on trips, especially New Hampshire and Maine. He has also traveled to Europe and Las Vegas. He especially enjoyed family gatherings.

In November of 1980, Joe (and Marie) purchased a cottage on Wolf Lake in Wurtsboro, NY. Being handy, Joe was able to winterize and fix the place up for his “forever” home. Joe loved Wolf Lake and immersed himself into the community. He was a longtime member of the Wolf Lake Patrol keeping the community safe and clean. There wasn’t a dog living there that did not know the “biscuit man”. Joe always stopped and gave every dog a treat. He even carried the type each dog liked. If dogs could attend funerals there would be no room for people. Joe’s gift to gab made him a favorite around the lake. Patrol trips around the lake took a long time and he made several while on duty. Joe could be seen around the clubhouse and office fixing things that needed repair such as screens and windows. Winters didn’t bother him and he always said that he loved to sit there and look at the snow and the lake. “Where can you get so lucky?” he would say. He never had a desire to move South. Joe liked to play the slots and was known to make a weekly trip up to the Racino in Monticello. Everyone heard about his winnings (guess he never lost). He was even known for his gift to gab up there.

The family would like to thank Hospice for all the care and support that was given to Joe during his illness.

Survivors include his sister Mary Keller and her husband George of Newburgh as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife Marie Sossi Gomes in 1992 and his sisters Jeanne Lord Taylor and Laura Fayo Borner.

He will be missed by his many friends and everyone he has touched through the years.

Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Tuesday, July 25 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, July 26 in Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct, Newburgh, NY 12550 in Joe’s honor.

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