Lawrence Gonsalves

Lawrence Fransquinho Gonsalves of Chicago, Illinois passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the age of 79. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Annette (née Fernandes); their children, Stan (Shona Vas), Sam (Young), Jackie, and Savio (Carolyn); and grandchildren, John, Isabella, Anthony, Emily, Nihal, and Riya. Lawrence is also survived by his sisters, Joanita (Robert Birkmeyer) and Jane (James Collins) and his brother, Leslie (Maureen) and their families. Lawrence was born in Zanzibar on December 10, 1939 to Abelina (née Coelho) and Jose Braz Gonsalves. His friends in Africa remember his soccer skills, the parties he graciously hosted, his culinary expertise, and his irreverent sense of humor. In 1975, he and his family moved to Chicago to begin a new chapter in their lives. Lawrence was a devoted husband, a dedicated father, a doting grandfather, a supportive brother, and a treasured friend to many. He continued to be a beloved member of the Goan community and remained staunch in his Catholic faith. He recently retired from a life-long career in the extermination services industry but stayed busy by caring for his family, cooking for everyone he knew, and lifting spirits with his wit, kindness, and generosity. He will be missed by family and friends across the globe. Visitation for Lawrence will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 from 3 to 9 pm at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Avenue, Norridge IL, 60706. Funeral services start Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home and will proceed to St. William Church at 2600 N. Sayre ave, Chicago, IL 60707 for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Burial will follow at Maryhill Cemetery located at 8600 Milwaukee Avenue, IL, Niles 60714. Messages of condolence may be addressed to the Gonsalves family via email: [email protected] and [email protected] . For more info 708-456-8300. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lawrence’s honor may be made to the National Shrine of St. Jude: https://secure2.convio.net/sjlcp/site/Donation2?df_id=3100&3100.donation=form1