Rev. Manuel Sança Gomes, age 77, born in Sal, Cabo Verde, leapt into the Father’s arms on Monday October 4, 2021.
Not a stranger to work and providing for his loved ones he started making a living as a mechanic at the very young age of 12. Upon leaving his home island of Sal, Cabo Verde and moving to Mindelo, Cabo Verde he enlisted in the Portuguese Military where he served for 5 years. There he was known as the excited evangelist among his peers. Oftentimes filling entire sections with his fellow military men when he attended church services.
While enlisted in the military he heard and answered the call of God on his life and immediately began attending the Nazarene Seminary. While still in seminary, he married his forever sweetheart on his birthday December 15, 1973. In March of 1975, he graduated Seminary; these two occurrences easily, were his greatest accomplishments.
In May of 1975, together they began their journey of what would be a lifelong service unto the Lord and the local church. He served the church of the Nazarene in Cabo Verde for 20 years as a pastor. He then transitioned to ministry in the States where for 26 years he also pastored. He pastored in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Pawtucket Rhode Island and finally Providence Rhode Island until his last day.
Although a full time pastor to specific churches his ministry spanned beyond those four walls. Whether it was while sweeping through the halls of University of Rhode Island, where he proudly served on the janitorial team or on early mornings where he diligently spent at New England Tech maintaining the premises for the students and staff, He simply saw people. He stopped often, was present with people, acknowledged their humanity, constantly reminded them of their dignity and divinity and truly was a Pastor wherever he set foot.
His ministry never stopped, he was the steady hand many reached out for in time of need, the voice of wisdom in time of transition, the one they gave the honor of officiating their unions, their dedications, baptisms and funerals. He was the smile many looked for when there seemed to be no hope. He constantly found moments to celebrate people whether they were living or transitioning. And ALWAYS always pointed to a much better place he was journeying to and aiming to bring as many with him as he could on his way.
Rev. Manuel Sança Gomes was an avid lover of the only futbol he acknowledged. Oftentimes on Saturdays, you would find him excitedly yelling at the television screen while simultaneously listening to his radio coaching and cheering his all-time favorite team Benfica. Occasionally you would hear the scream or tumble following a power play or a goal made; he celebrated big!
After every win, he would call and lovingly taunt any person who dared to cheer on a different soccer team than his; including his wife of almost 48 years.
If you spent a second with him, you noticed his appreciation for a nice suit and the perfect tie knots. His fragrance came before he reached you and lingered long after he left; he loved his "smell goods".
When his wife was not watching he would often sneak in sweets while vowing those present to secrecy. On occasion he would disappear; we knew exactly where he was going and what he was getting. He had a weak spot for "chichu" "torresma", although he would try to smoothly pretend he hadn’t gone where he went and eaten what he had everyone knew he’d just indulged in his favorite Cabo Verdean delicacy.
Rev. Manuel N. Sança Gomes is survived by an enormous community who loved him dearly, his lifelong partner, love and wife of nearly 48 years Maria Paula; his children Helder, Joel, Jônatas, Joquebede, Jetro and Jedida, daughters in Law Claudine and Laura. His Grandchildren Kathleen, Mariana, Alison, Isaac, Brian, Leeyah Ali, Cristiano and his partner in crime Junior . He leaves his only remaining sibling Maria Da Cruz, nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
Rev. Sança Gomes was a Father to many; however, he particularly took in and was dad to Carlos, Carmen, Anny and Jacky, he loved them as his own.
Known as Papa, Pai, Sany, Vozinho, Sançansa, Ti Lela, Tio, ‘Nos Pastor’, Benfiquinha, "Katchor", and so much more he leaves an immeasurable void with his absence.We revel in the fact the he is rejoicing and entered his rest with the Lord.
He truly fought the good fight and finished well!
Rev. Sança Gomes had made it known that one day when he transitioned into glory he would rather not receive flowers. In lieu of flowers, he desired any gift to be a donation made to his Alma Mater Seminário Nazarene de Cabo Verde.
Electronic Gifts can be sent via Cashapp $Jedgomes or Venmo @Jedgomes with keyword:Sança

Relative and Friends are Invited to attend calling hours Friday, October 8th in the Keefe Funeral home, Lincoln from 4pm-7pm. Funeral will be on Saturday, October 9th at 8am in the Keefe Funeral Home, Lincoln followed by a service at 9am. Burial will follow in Rumford Cemetery, Rumford RI.