Region Mourns the Passing of Dennis Gomes
Dennis Gomes’ reputation as a pioneering leader with a zest for life only partially accounted for how well-liked and respected he was as an individual, which is why his sudden passing at age 68 on Friday, Feb. 24, shocked and saddened many nationwide, particularly those in the Atlantic City region where he lived and worked. Mr. Gomes is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his children Mary, Danielle, Aaron and Gabrielle. His oldest son, Douglas, predeceased him by less than a month, on Jan. 28.
Mr. Gomes was the top executive at three casino-hotels in Atlantic City, most recently Resorts, which he purchased with real-estate magnate Morris Bailey in August 2010. He had managed 14 casino-hotels in three states during a 28-year gaming career. When notified of his death, Bailey stated, in part: “We have not only lost a business partner who was an industry leader and visionary, we have lost a friend and family member. We are committed to continuing Dennis’ vision for Resorts and Atlantic City, and our success will be a tribute to his memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara, Aaron and the entire Gomes family.”
Prior to heading up casino-hotels, Mr. Gomes was chiefly responsible for maintaining their integrity, first as a Nevada Gaming Control Board Division Chief and later as Chief of Special Investigations of the N.J. Division of Gaming Enforcement. In August 2007, as a top former Nevada law-enforcement officer, Mr. Gomes testified in Federal Court of Chicago in the largest organized crime case in United States history. His testimony helped convict five mob bosses of committing 17 murders.
Mr. Gomes died at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia of complications from kidney dialysis, his son Aaron Gomes told the Associated Press. Mr. Gomes had developed kidney problems and was undergoing dialysis treatments after breaking his back last year.
“He unfortunately passed away of complications due to the dialysis,” said Aaron Gomes. “He was the most unbelievable person I ever had the chance of meeting, and I was even more fortunate that he happened to be my father.” — Ray Schweibert
When we went to the Family Secrets Mob trial it was a surreal experience. I guess it was during the time 'The Sopranos' was really big. So when I walked in, I expected it, I think to be a little more like traffic court or something like that, that I was familiar with, but it was very much like a scene out of 'The Sopranos.'
Plus, Danielle Gomes Book Signing at Cuba Libre, Somers Point Summer Beach Concert Series Line-up, and the Album of the Week.
Newly named president and CEO of Resorts Atlantic City, Gary Van Hettinga, makes it clear that Atlantic City's oldest casino is an "asset that has a lot of potential."
Mitchell Etess, CEO of the Indian Tribe casino company, which operates casinos in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, says it's the perfect time for a strategic partnership with Resorts and get back into the Atlantic City market.
Plus Atlantic City Restaurant Week preview, Drew Toonz and bandleader Vince Giordano on 'Boardwalk Empire' soundtrack winning a Grammy.
“I believe in [Resorts]. It heralded the beginning of casino gaming in the East and has always had a special place in my heart. It is an exciting place with a lot of history and we are going to bring it back to life with even more energy and vitality than it possessed at its creation in 1978."
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