Dr. Ludgero S.A. Gomez, 81, of North Dartmouth, passed away on April 22, after a period of declining health. He was born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island, the son of the late Ludgero and Alice Gomez.

After graduating from Providence College in 1954, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. After leaving the service as a captain and veteran of the Korean War, he attended Tufts Dental School. He opened Cape Cod Dental Associates in Wareham where he served the community for 42 years.

In addition, he taught at Harvard, Tufts and Boston University dental schools as well as dental colleges in Brazil. Gomez served on the board of Tobey Hospital, a local bank and Heritage Plantation. He was the chief of dental staff at Tobey Hospital and the vice president of Tobey Health Systems.

Gomez was a mentor for many aspiring medical professionals and a beloved friend to all who knew him. He had a life-long passion for jewelry-making and the study of physics.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Elaine M. Gomez of North Dartmouth; his daughter Alyce Gomez of Larchmont, N.Y., his sons Ludgero S.A. Gomez of Washington, D.C., James M. Gomez and his wife Amy of Las Vegas, Nev. and Lieutenant Colonel Paul Gomez and his wife Lisa of Sterling, Va.

His greatest source of happiness was spending time with his family including his grandchildren Leah, Natalie, Beau, Luke, Zoe, James, Alyssa, Samantha and Katherine.

His funeral mass was held on Friday, April 25 at St. Mary’s Church in Dartmouth. He was buried in South Dartmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Kidney Fund. For online tributes please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses of St. Luke's Hospital for their committed care and loving professionalism.