The American Boy

This book is about my son, Richard Nolan Gonsalves, who was born in Woburn, Massachusetts on December 27, 1966. He died in Italy on July 27, 1999, at the age of 33. He is on my mind constantly, with the tragedy of his death, balanced by my memory of his life and with the comfort of my other four children. Richard was a tall, robust, handsome, and smart young man with curly red hair, and a gentle way. He was a hit with the ladies. He was liked by all he met. He could sing, write, build, and play guitar. A few of his performances were in Boston, Medford and Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Richard died in Italy on July 27, 1999. He and his girlfriend Rosa were visiting the villa of her mother. They made this trip quite often with no problems. This time he threw up, right away and went to a hospital. The hospital could not diagnose why Richard was sick and he was discharged at midnight. An hour later he was in great pain and said, “If I stay in this Villa I will die. I want to live.” He returned to the hospital with greater pain, and 2 days later, he died. The Police in Italy conducted a three year investigation, but could not determine who killed Richard. In conclusion, Richard is gone. And we miss him with all of our hearts.