Aleixo Ismael Gomes

Aleixo Gomes, lovingly known to many as Alex, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at the age of 76. Alex lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, hard work, and kindness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to those who were fortunate enough to know him. Born on May 19, 1950, in Goa, India, Alex was the beloved brother of the late Gonsal Gomes and the late Natty Gomes. He is survived by his loving sister, Rita, with whom he shared a lifelong bond and cherished family memories. Alex was predeceased by his beloved wife, Cecilia Gomes, who passed away in 2011. After working in Goa and throughout the Middle East, Alex immigrated to the United States in the 1980s in pursuit of greater opportunities for his family. He and Cecilia first established roots in Bergen County, New Jersey, before purchasing their forever home in Dumont, where they raised their son and became active members of the community. Alex was the proud and devoted father of his son, Aaron Gomes, and daughter-in-law, Nicola. Nothing brought him greater joy than his family, especially his cherished grandchildren, Cecilia, August, and Sienna, who filled his life with pride, purpose, and happiness. He shared a particularly special bond with his youngest granddaughter, Sienna, as they celebrated the same birthday, May 19, a connection that brought him tremendous joy. Professionally, Alex dedicated more than 30 years of service to United Water Company, later known as Suez. Through hard work, integrity, and commitment, he earned the respect of his colleagues and built a career that culminated in his well-deserved retirement in 2015. Above all else, Alex was a dedicated husband and father. He selflessly cared for Cecilia throughout her illness and remained steadfast in his commitment to family throughout his life. He instilled strong family values, compassion, and resilience in those around him, serving as an example through both his words and actions. For many years, Alex courageously battled Parkinson's disease with determination and grace. While the disease presented significant challenges, the love of his family and the joy he found in his grandchildren gave him strength and purpose throughout his journey. Their presence in his life provided motivation, comfort, and countless reasons to keep fighting. A devout Christian, Alex lived his faith every day. His deep belief in God guided his decisions, shaped his character, and influenced the way he treated others. He was known for his generosity, warm heart, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Alex found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He took tremendous pride in maintaining a beautiful garden and a pristine lawn, always ensuring his home reflected the care and dedication he brought to everything he did. He was also a familiar face at Dumont athletic events, enthusiastically supporting Aaron and his friends and enjoying the sense of community and lifelong friendships those gatherings fostered. Many of his fondest memories were made on the sidelines, cheering on local teams and sharing in the camaraderie that made Dumont feel like home. Alex will also be remembered as a loyal friend to many. Whether through thoughtful conversations, sharing stories, telling jokes, or filling a room with laughter, he had a gift for bringing people together. His kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor touched countless lives and created lasting friendships wherever he went. Alex leaves behind family and friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him and the values he passed on through a life well lived. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Barrett Funeral Home in Tenafly, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 26, at St. Mary's Parish in Dumont, New Jersey, followed by interment at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, New York. Alex will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and man of faith whose legacy of love, hard work, laughter, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.