Jeremy Goncalves, a lifelong resident of Springs who loved the outdoors and traditional Bonac pastimes like fishing, clamming, and duck hunting, died suddenly at home on Oct. 25. The cause was a heart attack. Mr. Goncalves would have celebrated his 40th birthday this month.
"Jeremy was very appreciative of things people did for him and would go out of his way to help family and friends," his family wrote. "He was very compassionate and stood for fairness for everyone he loved."
Jeremy C. Goncalves was born at Southampton Hospital on Nov. 20, 1980, to Jose Goncalves and the former Joy Tyler, who survive him. He grew up on Fort Pond Boulevard with his siblings and cousins, attending the Springs School and East Hampton High School.
Mr. Goncalves worked primarily for Seashore Inc., his father's landscaping and construction company. He enjoyed baseball, basketball, riding motorcycles, gardening, and taxidermy, his family said. He was a natural at training his Labrador to hunt for ducks, and enjoyed walking his dogs at Gerard Park in Springs.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Goncalves is survived by his sister, Alyssa Goncalves of Queens, and brother, Casey Goncalves of East Hampton, as well as many nieces and nephews.
His family expressed gratitude to the Springs ambulance company and East Hampton Town Police Department for their compassionate care, and for the community's outpouring of flowers, cards, food, and love. "We will miss his gentle way and charming smile," they wrote of their son, brother, and uncle. "Our hearts and souls grew bigger from the love he poured on us. Peace and love to you always Jeremy."
The family plans a private memorial service.