Michael Gonsalves (MSGT, USAF ret.), 96, formerly of Bunker Hill passed away at 1:13 PM, Sunday, November 14, 2021 at his residence in rural Galveston, IN. He was born in Papaikou, Hawaii on January 7, 1925 the son of George and Mary Silva Gonsalves. Mike married Primitiva “Tiva” Tagupa on April 22, 1950 in Honolulu, Hawaii and she preceded him in death on April 4, 2020.
Mike was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church and a retired US Air Force MSGT. retiring in 1970 with 25 years of service. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
Mike greatest joys in life were his wife and family and his Roman Catholic faith where he was a regular at weekly mass. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and loved his family unconditionally. Most of all Mike was a very proud grandpa who was affectionately known as “Papoo”.
Survivors include his children Beverly (Michael) Delaney, Barbara (Brian) Postlethweight, Michael (Janet) Gonsalves and Shelly (Jimmy) Dyer; grandchildren Audra (Erik Holmgren) Dye, Brent Postlethweight, Cara Postlethweight and Piercey Dyer, Derek (Brittany) Haynes, Brooke (Chris) Betten; great grandchildren Gavin Betten, Elin Betten, Alivia Haynes, Dean Haynes and Ben Haynes; niece Linda (Beau) Borchardt and several great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Tiva, daughter Stephanie Penrod, sister Catherine Jarrett and brothers Manuel and Sylvester Silva, nephew George Jarrett, and niece Norma Caetano.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Michael Gonsalves will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 18, 2021 at the St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W. 5th St., Peru with Fr. Gustavo Lopez officiating. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery, Bunker Hill, IN with military honors provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Thursday at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made through the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home to the St. Charles Catholic Church or the Miami County Military Rites Unit.
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