John Alexander "Sandy" Gomes passed away on April 14, 2022. Sandy was born on December 13, 1931, in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. He was the only child of Alexander Santos Gomes and Maria Caldeira Gomes of Nuuanu, Oahu.Sandy was raised on Park Street in Nuuanu, not far from Nuuanu Valley Park and Queen Emma's Summer Palace. After the start of WWII, his parents sold their Park Street home and moved to Namauu Drive, in Pu'unui, Nuuanu, which was directly across the street from the Denis family. Sandy soon became a part of the Denis family. He was like a brother to the Denis boys and fell in love with their sister, Gwen. Gwen and Sandy became childhood sweethearts, starting a love that lasted the rest of their lives.
Sandy attended Ma'ema'e Elementary, Stevenson Middle and Roosevelt High School, where he graduated in 1949. He and Gwen married in 1952, at St. Stephens Church in Nuuanu. They soon started their family of six children who they happily raised in Kailua. Sandy and Gwen immersed themselves over the years in their community. Sandy coached many of his children's teams, participated in Boys Scouts with his sons, was deeply involved in Kailua politics and other neighborhood activities.
Sandy had an incredible 53-year career with State Farm Insurance where he was highly regarded for his expertise in all areas of insurance. With Gwen working alongside him over the years, Sandy achieved tremendous success in his business. In addition to running his successful business, he went out of his way to mentor so many by assisting them in achieving their own great success which he took great pride in. Sandy retired from State Farm in 2016 with many loyal clients and associates.
As a member of Oahu Country Club for over 40 years he became an avid and frequent golfer and card player. He belonged to longstanding weekly foursomes and participated in all manner of club activities which included multiple terms on the Oahu Country Club Board of Directors.
Sandy was a fun and sociable gentleman, sharing his quick wit and sense of humor with all who came to know him. He had an insatiable zest for life and loved the many endearing friends he made throughout the years. Sandy enjoyed a good cigar and in his later years he could always be found at the club's "Cigar Table" holding court and causing rapturous laughter.
Sandy and Gwen were married for 67 years before she passed in October 2019. She was his first and only love, and he missed her without end following her passing. Sandy was also predeceased by his eldest son, Lee, who passed in September 2021. He is survived by his five other children, Gwenette Higa, Scott (Janet), Jon (Pam), Joe (Laura), and Sandra (Tadesse); by his grandchildren, Keoni Higa, Kelika Higa (Kira), Jamie Castleberry (Trey), Brett (Kathleen), Michael (Regan), Harrison "Koa" (Kara), Nicholas (Liana), Anna Gabriella Mireles, Emma and Hana Chekol; by his eight great- grandchildren; and by many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
To the end, Sandy loved his wife and his family. He was a beloved husband, father, "Gigi," uncle, and friend. He left us with his playful personality in full display. He will always be remembered, loved, and very much missed.
We will celebrate the lives of Sandy and Gwen on Friday, June 24, 2022, at Oahu County Club from 4:00 to 6:30p.m. The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers and gifts, you may consider making a donation to Alzheimer's Association - Hawaii Aloha Chapter or The Queen's Medical Center.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
