April 5, 2021

Tech. Sgt. Timothy A. Gonsalves
Seattle Composite Squadron
Washington Wing

Timothy Alfred Gonsalves, 52, died Sunday, March 28, 2021, of a heart attack at his home in Renton, Washington.

Tim was born July 1, 1968 in Hilo, Hawaii to Alfred and Lucy (Gonsalves) Gonsalves. He was raised surrounded by a large "Ohana" including many aunties, uncles, cousins and friends. Growing up he loved spending time at the beach and playing basketball with friends. He graduated in 1986 from Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawaii.

After graduation, Tim joined the U. S. Navy and went to Boot Camp in San Diego, California. After Boot Camp, Tim was stationed aboard the USS Fox for 3 1/2 years as an Internal Communications Electrician. As were many of his generation, he was inspired by the Movie "Top Gun" and could quote almost every line. This sparked what would become a lifelong interest in flying. So, in 1991, Tim transitioned into Naval Aviation and became an Acoustic Operator aboard the P-3 Orion aircraft. He served in VP-31 at Moffett Field, California, then VP-6 and VP-17 at Barbers Point, Hawaii.

In 1995, Tim went to Instructor School in Millington, Tennessee. While in VP-30 in Jacksonville, Florida and VP-4 in Kaneohe, Hawaii, he was able to combine the two things he loved the most, flying and teaching the next generation of Acoustic Operators. While stationed at VP-4 in Kaneohe, Tim met his future wife Shani. They were married in January 2001 and that Fall they were blessed with their first child, Jason.

Tim completed his Naval career on Shore Duty in Pensacola, Florida, teaching new Acoustic Operators at "A" School. He enjoyed this time with his young family and they welcomed their second child Alexander. While in Pensacola, Tim also completed his Bachelor's degree in Adult Work Force Education, through Southern Illinois University, and still found the time to mentor young Sea Cadets. Tim Retired from the Navy in 2006.

Armed with his vast Naval experience and Bachelor's degree, Tim was ready for the next chapter in his life. He began working for Boeing near Seattle, Washington in June of 2006. During his almost fifteen-year Boeing career, he was part of several teams which worked hard to develop and test training systems for the new P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Tim was highly respected by both the Boeing and Navy teams. His work helped bridge the transition from the old P-3 Orion aircraft to the new P-8 Poseidon. His Naval service and time with Boeing provided many opportunities to travel throughout the world and make many lifelong friendships.

In 2018, Tim took a new position in the P-8 program, which meant less travel. This allowed him to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests within his local community. Tim joined the Civil Air Patrol in September 2020. Shortly after, he was awarded the CAP grade of Technical Sergeant (TSgt) in recognition of his previous military service. He took the role of Assistant Education & Training Officer and was training to become a Mission Scanner to help with aerial search missions.

Tim will be remembered by family and friends as a man of faith and a devoted husband and father. He was soft-spoken, funny, hard-working and kind. He loved to be at home with his family, bonding over all things Star Wars and Marvel. He was continuously learning, trying to improve himself and striving for excellence.

Tim is survived by his wife Shani (Williams) Gonsalves, sons Jason and Alexander Gonsalves, and mother-in-law Patricia Williams, all of Renton, Washington; his brother Alfred Gonsalves Jr. and wife Pat, of Whittier, California; uncle Manuel Gonsalves, of Gold Hill, Oregon; uncle David Kealoha Molina, of Hilo, Hawaii; and many beloved cousins throughout the country.

Tim will be laid to rest with full military honors Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.