4
trees
planted in memory of Leonel Goncalves
Obituary for Leonel Goncalves
Leonel Goncalves, 68, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2025. Born January 17, 1957, to Joaquim and Bertilia (Joao) Goncalves, Leo was a lifelong resident of Ludlow. He graduated from Ludlow High School and attended Springfield Technical Community College for engineering prior to fulfilling his father’s request to come work in the family business, Jack Goncalves and Sons, Inc., General Contractor, to which he dedicated and devoted over fifty years of his life. He was respected throughout Hampden County.
Leo was a man of integrity, a hard worker, and the face of the family business, but he was also a big teddy bear of a man with a big personality, who made time for his family, friends, and his passions--hunting, fishing and boating in his younger years. Leo, with his warm heart, enjoyed helping others. He prepared “Blessing Bags” and kept them in his car during the winter months so that he could hand them out to those in need. A loving and dedicated father to three daughters, later in life he found joy in traveling with them and their families, being by the water, and spending time on the Cape. He shared laughs with family and friends, playing card games, taking long motorcycle rides with his friends, and camping. He loved antique cars and exploring car shows, as much as exploring real estate. He was also a proud member of the Unity AC, where he met up with friends and played pool, as well as a member of the Gremio Lusitano Club of Ludlow.
Leo endlessly loved and supported his three girls and was so proud of them and his grandchildren. He was a devoted father to Lisa Goncalves Lavin (husband Timothy Lavin), Jacqueline Goncalves, and Briana Martone, (husband Jonathan Martone), a loving grandfather to Eleanor and Theodore Lavin; dear brother to Diane Manicki (husband Mike Manicki); and Michael Goncalves (Lauren Dones Azevedo); a cherished godfather to Sharlene Goncalves and Lauren Francisco; beloved uncle to Sharlene Rogers, Michelle Goncalves, and Nick Goncalves. Leo is also survived by the mother of his three daughters, Mize Goncalves; Aunt Isabel João; and also leaves many loving extended family members and dear friends.
Visiting hours for Leo will be held on Tuesday, April 8th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ludlow Funeral Home. Funeral services are on Wednesday, April 9th, at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Parish, followed by burial in Reservoir Cemetery.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
8
Apr
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Service
Wednesday
9
Apr
9:00 AM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Funeral Liturgy
Wednesday
9
Apr
10:00 AM
Our Lady of Fatima Parish
438 Winsor Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
Reservoir Cemetery
1150 Center Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
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