Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 29: Well-known traffic warden chief Joseph Gonsalves, who had inspired a generation of Mangalureans with his social work and sense of public duty, passed away on Sunday August 29. He was 99.
Joe Gonsalves, as he was fondly called, had been admitted to Father Muller Hospital, where he breathed his last on Sunday.
Born on January 1, 1922, Joe was an inspiration to many. Even in his late nineties, he continued to serve the public with the energy of a youngster. He was just four months away from completing 100 years.
Joe, a resident of Falnir, had worked for British firm J L Morison, joining as a management trainee and going on to become general sales manager. He later served as executive director of a company, and followed it up with a stint at marketing at the Institute of Marketing, London. He was also an elected member of the institute.
After his retirement, he served on the board of directors of educational institutions and charitable organizations, and was a founder-director of the St Aloysius Alumni Association of North America. With his vast experience, he took the initiative to solve the traffic issues in Mangaluru, and with the assistance of the department of traffic, took charge as traffic warden chief in 2015, at the age of 94. He regularly held interactions with youngsters on safe driving and other important issues. For his service and contribution to the city, the traffic department had honoured him.
He was a yoga enthusiast and a role model to many when it came to fitness. He had held programmes for the elderly to demonstrate exercises and share tips on leading a healthy lifestyle.
Till the end, Joe was actively involved in social service.
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