Obituary of Gabriel V. Almeida

Gabriel V. Almeida, 63, of Syracuse, beloved husband, father and brother, died peacefully on Saturday surrounded by his family at the University of Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital following liver transplant surgery. His family, friends and colleagues mourn his passing and will remember Gabe for his strong spirit, his dedication to family, his playful humor, and his lifelong passion for his profession of business management. He will be dearly missed. Mr. Almeida was a proud local small business owner and served as President, CEO and founder of Checks & Balance Financial Services, Syracuse. He was also formerly employed as Vice President of Operations for Gaylord Brothers, Liverpool. Mr. Almeida was born and raised in Waterbury, CT and is a former resident of Manlius. He was a graduate of Kennedy High School, Waterbury, and Northeastern University, Boston, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was an enrolled IRS Agent, a member of the NAEA, a member of the Delta Omega Delta fraternity, Knights of Columbus Council 3717, VFW #9596 and American Legion Post 35. He was an SU and Boston sports fan and his summers were enjoyed with his family at his house on the Salmon River, Pulaski. Gabe also enjoyed fishing, swimming, trips to Martha's Vineyard, Portuguese culture and food and taking his dog, Oliver, for rides in his vintage Mercedes-Benz convertible. Mr. Almeida is survived by his wife of 20 years, Liz Almeida; his children: Jennifer Almeida of CT, Melissa Almeida Ross of Syracuse, and Michael Almeida of Syracuse; his stepchildren: John, Sean, and Sarah Greenwood, all of Syracuse; his sister: Maria Almeida (Greg) Josephs of VA; his nieces: Julia and Grace Josephs and nephew Alexander Josephs; his granddaughter: Susanna House of CT; and his step-grandson: Cristiano Angarano. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Gabriel and Maria Almeida of Waterbury, and his daughter, Stephanie Almeida of Syracuse. A funeral mass will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Church, 3127 James Street. Calling hours are Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.org), 39 Broadway, Suite 2700, New York, NY 10006; or the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital (http://www.upstate.edu/foundation), c/o the Stephanie Almeida Memorial Fund, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210.