by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2025

Salvador “Son” Sabino Gomes was born on March 3, 1903, in Fort Myers, Florida, to Francisco  GOMES D’sa (1855-1931) and Laura Etta YOUNG (1875-1955).

Salvador’s mother, Laura Etta YOUNG Gomes
Salvador’s father, Francisco “Frank” GOMES

SIBLINGS

In 1910, Salvador lived with his parents and siblings in Boca Grande, Florida.

Frank GOMES and Laura YOUNG Gomes
1910 Census

MARRIAGE

Salvador Sabino Gomes married Rosalee M. Hamilton in Collier, Florida, on May 3, 1924.

CHILDREN

  • Virginia Mary Lee was born on November 1, 1926.
  • Frank Robert was born on March 19, 1931, in Key West, Florida.
  • Paul George was born on February 22, 1937.
Frank and Paul Gomes sons of Salvador Gomes and Rosalee Hamilton
houseboat on Turkey Key Paul Gomes
right to left Frank Gomes, Paul Gomes, Virginia Gomes, Coleman sisters
Virginia and Paul Gomes
Virginia Gomes (daughter of Salvador Gomes & Rosalee Hamilton), Frank Gomes, Paul Gomes
Virginia, Frank, Paul and Rosalee Gomes

In 1930, Salvador lived with his wife and daughter at Poinciana Point. The Hamilton family lived nearby. He worked as a fisherman.

1930 Census
Salvador Gomes’ boat
Salvador Gomes with some of his boats

In 1940, Salvador lived with his wife and children on Lostmans River. The Hamilton family lived nearby. He worked as a fisherman.

1940 Census

Salvador’s draft card from February 16, 1942 lists him as 5’10” 158 lbs with a light complexion, gray eyes, and brown hair. It is noted that he had a “small scar on left cheek.” His employer is listed as Riggs Fish Company, Everglades, Florida.

In 1955, Salvador rented a home at 729 10th Ave S in Naples, Florida and is listed as a commercial fisherman.

In 1957, he and Rosalie still live at 729 10th Ave S.

Salvador and his son, Paul Gomes
Salvador and Rosalee Gomes on boat
Salvador and Rosalee Gomes with kids Mormon Key
Salvador Gomes, King Gene Hamilton, William Buddy Hamilton
Salvador Gomes
Salvador ‘Son’ Gomes and Vernon Gomes in New York

IN THE NEWS

In 1955, Salvador and Rosalie’s son, Paul hitched home to his family.

News-Press Fort Myers Florida Sunday July 03 1955

News-Press Fort Myers Florida Thursday April 21 1955

LOSSES

  • His father Francisco passed away on June 20, 1931, in Fort Myers, Florida, at the age of 76.
  • His sister Edna died on July 26, 1936, in Fort Myers, Florida, when Salvador Sabino was 33 years old.
  • His mother Laura Etta passed away on September 23, 1955, in Fort Myers, Florida, at the age of 80.
  • His sister Florinda Marie died on July 26, 1964, in Palm Beach, Florida, when Salvador Sabino was 61 years old.
  • His sister Anna Bell died on April 25, 1965, in Fort Myers, Florida, when Salvador Sabino was 62 years old.
  • His wife Rosalie M. passed away on December 28, 1965, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 54. They had been married 41 years.

Salvador Sabino Gomes died on May 22, 1966, in Naples, Florida, when he was 63 years old. He was laid to rest next to his wife in Naples Memorial Gardens Cemetery, North Naples, Collier County, Florida in a plot called Garden of Prayer.

SOURCES

1910 United States Federal Census; 1930 United States Federal Census; 1940 United States Federal Census; U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; News-Press Fort Myers Florida Tuesday, May 24, 1966; News-Press Fort Myers Florida Sunday July 03 1955; News-Press Fort Myers Florida Thursday April 21 1955; Marriage Certificate image and Photos courtesy of Paul Gomes; U.S. City Directories Naples Florida 1955 and 1957.

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