By SMU Alumni |
Last October, the Saint Mary’s community lost one of its biggest champions, Ron Gomes BComm’65, who passed away peacefully at the age of 76.
His friend and fellow Huskies football teammate Bob Ruotolo says Ron was a true Santamarian in every sense of the word.
“He just loved the school, loved the university, and he always kept in touch with people.”
Born in Boston and raised in Roxbury and Dedham, Massachusetts, Ron earned a Commerce degree at Saint Mary’s in 1965 before getting his MBA from Northeastern University. He went on to become President of Digital Consulting Inc., a successful IT conference and tradeshow company based in Massachusetts.
But he never forgot his undergraduate alma mater. Exhibit A: the Saint Mary’s alumni reunions Ron and his wife, Mary Lou, hosted at their home in Andover, Massachusetts, for several years.
“These were always well-attended by people of all vintages and locales,” says his friend and former Dean of Saint Mary’s Faculty of Arts, Michael Larsen. “These were big events, with lots of attendees, generous amounts of food and beverages, stories galore — some of them true.”
Along with his love of Saint Mary’s, Ron was also known for his strong business acumen and his mentoring and sage advice, says son Chad.
“One piece of advice he preached was persistence and that ‘luck is where preparation meets opportunity.’ And that’s how he lived his life — always pushing forward and making the best of things.”
Friends and family also agree that Ron will be remembered for his sense of humour, his infectious, hearty laugh, and his devotion to his family, which also includes son Lance.
“He was just a warm, loving family person,” says Bob Ruotolo. “He was truly a Santamarian, and I really enjoyed his company. I’m really going to miss him.”
