Ayres Gonzales, 83, of New Bedford died Monday, October 27, 2025 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Alcinda (Pires) Gonzales.

Born in Brava, Cape Verde, son of the late John Gonzales and the late Maria (Baptista) Pimentel, he lived in New Jersey for many years before moving to New Bedford after meeting Alcinda.

He was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and St. Lawrence Church.

Ayres was formerly employed as a Chief Steward for ExxonMobil for 38 years until his retirement.

He was both a member and President of the ExxonMobil Club and the Bisca Tournament Club.

Ayres loved owning greyhounds, helping family members, cooking, spending holidays with family, watching the Boston Red Sox, boxing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Alcinda; four sons, Ayres Gonzales, Jr., Christopher Gonzales, Theodore Gonzales and his wife Selvi T. Gonzales, and Scott Gonzales; four sisters, Julia Maria Pina, Dinora Monteiro, Lindy Matarese, and Marlene Gonzales; his brother, Joseph Goncalves; three grandchildren, Elijah Gonzales, Trinity Gonzales, and Jasmine Gonzales; a great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mary "BiBi" Monteiro.

His Funeral will be held Monday, November 3, 2025 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by his Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, November 2nd from 3-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ayres' memory may be made to the charity of your choice. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.