Frederick John Gonet

With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Frederick “Fred” “Freddy” Gonet, of Sarasota, Florida, and New Bedford, Massachusetts. Fred passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2026, after a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was 76 years old. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, service, and devotion to the family and friends who meant so much to him.

Fred’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne (Charbonneau) Gonet; his two sons, Timothy (Sarah) Gonet and Daniel (Julie) Gonet; his daughter, Maryanna (Justin) Plante; and his two stepchildren, Jessica (Dennis) Henriques and Jarred (Stephanie) Oliveira. He was the proud grandfather of Kaleigh Visbaras, Lily Gonet, Travis Henriques, Kiley Gonet, Hunter Gonet, Declan Plante, Keegan Plante, and Sawyer Gonet, each of whom brought great joy to his life. He is also survived by his older brother, David Gonet; his younger sister, Christine Gonet; two brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind many dear friends in both Florida and Massachusetts.

Fred was born on December 31, 1949, in Acushnet, Massachusetts, to the late Marjan and Irene (Kamionek) Gonet. He spent his early years in Fairhaven before moving to New Bedford when he was in second grade. He attended Clark Street School, Normandin Junior High School, and New Bedford High School, graduating in 1967. During his high school years, he was a member of the R.O.T.C. and the rifle team.

Following his graduation, Fred attended Southeastern Massachusetts Institute of Technology (SMTI), which was renamed Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1969 and is now part of the University of Massachusetts system. He graduated from SMU in 1971. During his college years, Fred enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard and completed boot camp at Fort Dix, New Jersey, during the summer of 1970. He continued his military career with the Army National Guard for 28 years, retiring in 1998 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

During his high school and college years, Fred worked with his brother David at Ray’s Sunoco in New Bedford, where he developed a lifelong love of maintaining cars, a passion he lovingly passed on to his children. After college, he worked as an accountant for Paulding’s, a maker of porcelain electrical fixtures. In 1976, he began his career as a tax auditor for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, where he worked 33 years until his retirement in January 2010.

Fred’s dedication to others extended well beyond his professional career. After retiring, he and Joanne moved to Sarasota, Florida, where they continued to give their time and hearts to the community. Fred volunteered alongside Joanne with the Sarasota Police Volunteer Unit where he headed the Senior vs. Crime department. He also became certified in parking enforcement and was always willing to help wherever he was needed. As a member of St. Martha’s Church, Fred was very active. He devoted his time to the hospitality committee and helped plan many church events. He also served as a deputy poll worker in Sarasota during early voting and on Election Day, continuing his lifelong example of service and commitment.

Outside of his career and volunteer work, Fred’s greatest happiness came from the people and moments he loved most. He cherished traveling and spending time with Joanne, whom he lovingly called his “bride,” and he took great pride in the beautiful life they built together. He found joy in being outdoors, caring for his car and home, relaxing by the beach, and simply being surrounded by his family and friends. Fred had a special way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. His warm smile, generous heart, quiet strength, and steady willingness to help will remain treasured memories for all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Nov 24th 11AM St John Neumann, Freetown, MA , followed by a Celebration of Fred’s life at the Century House.

Burial at the National Cemetery in Bourne will be private.