Anthony J. Gomes

Date of Passing:

February 26, 2022

Gomes, Anthony John, 62, of Riverside passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 26, 2022.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, son of Rita (Baptista) Gomes and the late Bartolomeu M. Gomes.

He worked as a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 11 and Local 23, for over 30 years. His passion for music and live entertainment was the focal point of his life. He was a Legend who opened the doors of the industry to many others. While not spending time employed as a stagehand, he was a dedicated New England sports fan, often spending time at New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox games.

He is survived by his partner of ten years, Betsy Berntson-Lemire; his two children, Nicole Gomes and her husband Denis LaSalle Jr. of Riverside and Rebecca Gomes of Riverside; his mother, Rita (Baptista) Gomes; his siblings, Maria Braxton of East Providence, Regina Brown of Providence, and John Gomes of Riverside; his grandson, Brayden LaSalle of Riverside; as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and very good friends.

“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music” – Jimi Hendrix

A celebration of his life with calling hours will take place at the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside on Sunday, March 6th, from 2-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Musicians Foundation, 875 Sixth Avenue Suite 2303, New York, NY 10001.

Online Condolences

59 Comments

  1. My condolences and prayers to Rita and your family

  2. One of the great ones I had a lot of laughs with you Tony enjoyed your friendship very much you’re going to be sadly missed rest in peace brother and I will see you again someday

  3. Oh my, such a wonderful person who worked with my wife over the years at Great Woods. Long may you run Tony!

  4. I am so sorry for your loss of Tony, he was a wonderful knowledgeable man, fun to work with at great Woods. I did the backstage catering while he was a stage hand. We opened up this venue together. I was going to drive down today from Worcester but realized it was much further than I thought. Much love coming your way from your friends in Worcester mass

  5. Miss you dearly you are a true friend my condolence goes out to your family may you rest in peace Ted(snake)and ted jr

  6. May the memories of Tony’s smiles and joys shared over the years be a comfort to all the family during the tough days.

  7. Love and Respect….and Thank You for making so much Music sound awesome…

  8. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family, close friends and anyone that knew Tony. We all lost a great one here. A class act, a true gentleman, always there when you needed something, not only there, but there with that smile. A smile I will remember forever. Rest in Peace my Friend, always love you. Betsy, keep smiling and cherish the memories. God Bless you .

  9. Yes my man my guy!
    So hurt tony always looked at me he had a special look over his glasses but he say Slice your good we love you but just relax
    What good words
    Love you tony and yes i remember when you were so happy i got you into NCAA tournerment and you took good care of me at Lupos

  10. My Condolences to Tonys family members. He will be missed.

  11. My Condolences goes out to the family. R.I.P my Brother. George Washington.

  12. Tony and go back about 40 years and we had a blast together in our younger years. The one thing I can tell you is that he and I both agreed not to tell anyone our storys from those days. Tony was a brother a friend and an all around good person to be around. RIP Brother you will be missed.

  13. My sincere condolences to Tony’s Family and all who loved him. I first met Tony upon walking into the Living Room for my first show there as a young rocker in Feb of 1988. He scared me – but I learned that he just wanted to run a professional stage and make all the bands sound good. Later as an over hire stagehand with 23 and 11 I was blessed to work with Tony again professionally at Xfinity. Whenever Tony saw me at the venue, he always gave me a kind hello and nod, then proceeded to give me the easiest assignments. Nothing like backline for an old musician on the job! He did that out of love and respect for our long relationship since the Room. Always grateful for that…In recent times, it was my great pleasure to perform for him at the great Met benefit last December. A great guy gone too soon…Rock on Tony. Thanks…

  14. Tony was larger than life, in heart, mind and soul. He will be missed. Deepest Condolences to the Gomes Family . God Bless

  15. Mike and Donna Spoor:

    Tony was a friend to all,
    Especially to all the
    Road crews that was
    Coming thru New
    England.
    They all looked forward
    Working together with
    the MAN.
    HE could solve any
    Problems, anytime
    with Grace .
    There will only be ONE!!
    Proud to have known,
    Worked and shared
    The Music with Tony.
    Keep on Rocking In the
    FREE WORLD.
    Love BIG time to,
    FAMILY,FRIENDS.

  16. My condolences to Tony’s family and friends.
    He will be missed in the entertainment industry.

  17. My sincere condolences to the Gomes family. Rest in peace Anthony.

  18. So sorry for your loss. I’ll never forgot being a young little stagehand at The Orpheum Theater and Great Woods and having no idea what I was doing and at first he scared me. I learned that he was just a big teddy bear and he just wanted me to be the best I could be. I am definitely going to miss that smile and just having those conversations with him while we are all hanging backstage waiting for the next set change.

  19. Tony and I have known each other since we were teenagers and have always been in and around the music sceen. A truly down to earth guy always. A man of princples in everything. I am honored to have known Tony and had the oportunity to work with him. God Bless you Tony & Family.

  20. My condolences to the Gomes family,tony was a pleasure to be around.I particularly enjoyed his baseball spring training stories.

  21. Just like a great song, Tony’s laugh could make you forget your troubles for a little while. That made all the difference some nights.
    He’ll be remembered and missed.

  22. I also sorry for the loss of Tony. Thankful I got the opportunity to know him and work with him.

  23. Tony was an ALLSTAR. He was the best engineer, stagehand & crew chief I ever worked with. Dozens of us owe our careers to his mentorship. He made us all want to be the best we could be. He was my Brother and my Hero. My deepest condolences go out to all of his family and friends.
    Rock On forever T……

  24. Thank you for a lifetime of friendship and beautiful memories my brother. I’m going to miss you but we’ll catch up later. My love and sympathy to you family and your loved ones.

  25. I’ll never forget that smile and laugh. Tell Mikey Hyman, Mikey J, Pops and Haji we all said Hi. I know they were all waiting for you. Rest Easy.

  26. Wow can’t believe this one another family member continue to Rest In Peace cuz God bless

  27. One last thought every time I heard Stay, Just a Little bit Longer
    I always thought of Tony. From way back, when handled all the
    equipment for Trixster and all the girlfriends and wives would help
    with all the extension cords. We Will all Miss You, forever in our hearts.

  28. My heartfelt condolences to the Gomes Family. Tony and I had a lot of good laughs together, he was one of the best.

  29. Condolences sorry for your loss

  30. Nancy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.

  31. So sorry Nicole, Rebecca and Mrs. Rita Gomes & families,
    sending you all my love & prayers.

    Now you have a guardian angel watching over you,
    remember he will live on in your hearts, and always be with you.

    He’s probably already hooked up with all the other great musicians in heaven and has a gig lined up. Rock on Tony, you will be missed by all, family & friends.

    Be at peace with no more pain & suffering.
    xo Jeanne

  32. The Bailey Family extends heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Family of the late Anthony J. Gomes.

  33. The Bailey Family extends our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Family of the late Anthony J. Gomes.

  34. My deepest condolences to the whole family and friends he will be missed but never forgotten RIP Tony ???

  35. My condolences to the family. May God give you all the comfort and strength needed during this very difficult time.

  36. I’m so sorry for your loss Maria. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time ??

  37. Tony , You knew how to light up the stage and a master at the sound board. We shared lots of memories over some time that will never be forgotten. We worked with many bands, known all over this world and It was a pleasure and an honor to know you and work with you.( Spanky ) You and your family and friends are in my our thoughts and prayers.
    Always, Kevin and Karen Mowry

  38. I worked with Tony from our start in the clubs all the way thru our both getting in the IATSE over 30 years. He was my friend and brother. I am so very sorry for your loss. Words are not enough. He will be missed

  39. I remember Tony as a long ball hitter in softball a good sportsman and a friend who most people in the music scene respected as a great sound man on any event board. I will miss you and know your family and friends can find happy memories to remember you by.

  40. I’m So Sorry For Your Loss. ? My Condolences To The Gomes Family.

  41. So sad for the family……one of the nicest guys you’d ever know….R.I.P. tony.

  42. Regina My Sincere Condolences to You and Your Family for the loss of Your Brother,,,

  43. Regina and family very sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.?

  44. So sorry to learn of Tony’s passing. I remember him well from EPHS. A kind, caring, loving man. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him. Our memories will always keep him close.

  45. Nicole, Rebekah, and family,
    I’m so terribly sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and always. God bless.

  46. My condolences go out to his family and friends….
    I’ll have you in my heart forever
    RIP my friend

  47. Words cannot describe the sorrow in my heart and how he will be missed in so many ways…..He will certainly be missed at Patriots games, the looks we gave one another when they screwed up and even more so when they kicked ass, no words, just happy looks or shit eatin’ Grin, WTF looks…and we all know those ever so well….. RIP My Bruthah…say hey to everyone for us…Bustah, Hodgy, Heavy D Joey Baga Donuts, Rusty, George and the rest of the Bruthas and sistas no longer in this astroplane…..Go Pats

  48. My condolences to you and your family. If you need anything just call me.

  49. Thoughts and prayers to his loving family
    Rest In Peace my friend till we meet again.

  50. I will miss you Big Brother.
    Thanks for being a good friend to my family.

  51. I am so grateful to have known Tony. Playing in Boston will never be the same for me without him.
    My deepest condolences

  52. I was so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I grew up across the street from him. He was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed.

  53. My deepest condolences to family and friends. Tony was an old friend that I haven’t seen in many years. We played little league and later played softball together. He was always a nice guy and a good friend to all. He will be missed.

  54. I’m sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time ??

  55. Sending my love and prayers to the family God Bless.

  56. Tony,

    It was an absolute honor working with you over the last 28 years.

    The world is lot lesser place without you in it.

    God bless you.

    Match

  57. My heart goes out to Tony’s family and friends. Rip

  58. May your soul Rest In Peace…Love you Auntie Rita

  59. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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