Born in San Pedro, California, Avelino soon moved to San Diego with his parents, Francisco and Eugenia Gonsalves. They first lived in "Little Italy" before moving to La Playa, where he spent his formative years. As a young man closely bound to the Portuguese-American community, he spent summers at sea with his father and uncle, dreaming of becoming a Captain and boat owner. "Uncle Sam" called him to service before he could realize that dream, but he was proud of serving his country and said it was an experience that prepared him for life like no other. Inducted as a recruit, he left as an Army Staff Sergeant. Years later, returning to Guam, where he had served, for an International Fishing conference, he went looking for his old barracks, circling the entire island, only to discover that the barracks had been exactly where his hotel was situated. Home from the service, he returned to fishing with enthusiasm and energy. Working hard and building success, at the age of 24 he became one of the youngest Captains ever in the tuna fleet and master of the M/V Anna M. Still in his 20's, he was a partner in building one of the first steel-hulled vessels in the tuna fleet, the M/V Excalibur, built at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, and took charge of the ship as captain. With an eye on new challenges and larger catches, Avey partnered with two friends, Captains Roland Virissimo and Luciano Brito, to purchase what was then the largest tuna clipper in the world, the M/V Explorer. In search of new fishing grounds in the late 1950's, he moved with his family - wife Mildred "Mickey," his daughter Renee and son Avey Michael "Charlie" - to Lima, Peru, where they would live and prosper for 18 years until "Mickey" passed away. He cherished the new adventure, owning and operating several tuna vessels. While experimenting as a partner in a fish meal plant that operated anchovy boats out of the port of Chimbote, he soon sold to re-focus completely on tuna. Among memories and stories he always told with a chuckle, he recalled the fun of taking the President of StarKist International, Joseph Bogdanovich ("Joe B") fishing with him. Joe B. always wanted to go fishing when he came to Lima, but all the captains shied away - except Avey. And somehow Avey always managed the top catch, in which Joe B reveled, taking pictures to prove it! It was in Peru that he and his crew set a world record for fish caught by pole in one year: in 1960 they landed 2700 tons of tuna. During this period he was asked by StarKist to explore new areas, including the seas off Papua New Guinea. His work was part of the research that resulted in the fleet's movement to the Western Pacific.

In 1976, Avey was married to Mary Alice Rosa, who recalls many special memories: traveling the world, staying in Castles, sleeping in riokans, meeting interesting people. They loved to entertain friends and family at their hilltop Point Loma home, and Avey was known for his swordfish barbeque, witty stories and re-inventing the greetings in birthday cards, leaving everyone in stitches. He built the M/V Pacific Princess at Campbell Industries here in San Diego in 1978. Mary Alice christened the vessel and a big celebration followed in the tradition then prevailing in the heyday of San Diego's tuna industry. After several years in the Eastern Pacific, the vessel was repositioned to the Western Pacific, with Pago Pago, American Samoa, as its operating port. The ship continues operating successfully in the South Western Pacific under Captain Fred Canepa and Manager Ricardo da Rosa, Avey's nephew. Last year, Avey and Mary Alice managed the trip to American Samoa to see the Pacific Princess and his faithful crew of many years. It was very special to him. Avelino served as Chairman of The American Tunaboat Association and President of American Tuna Sales. He represented the tuna industry in conferences in Europe, the South Pacific and American Samoa. A former Director of the United Portuguese SES, he and Mary Alice, chaired the 1984 Festa do Santo Amaro and the 1988 Festa of the Holy Spirit, the largest annual event of the local Portuguese community. He was very proud of his Portuguese roots as well as the San Diego Community, supporting many local causes, and was a Captain in the San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association. Avey is survived by his wife, Mary Alice, daughter Renee Gonsalves, brother John Gonsalves, nieces and nephews. He passed away peacefully at Scripps Green Hospital surrounded by loved ones. For his wife, Mary Alice, "He was my best friend and soul mate and will live in my heart forever." She gives special thanks to Dr. Malhar Patel and staff of Scripps Green Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made "In Memory of Avelino Gonsalves" to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1140 Evergreen St., San Diego CA 92106; the Scripps Health Foundation, 10666 North Torrey Rd./109N, La Jolla, CA 92037; or the Monarch School for homeless children, 808 West Cedar St., San Diego 92101.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 13th, 9:30 a.m. at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2802 Cadiz Street, San Diego, CA 92110. Viewing will precede the services, which begin with praying of the Rosary at 9:30. Interment at Holy Cross Mausoleum.