James Peter Gomatos, Sr.

CARY – James Peter Gomatos, Sr., 68, of Vista Creek Place, died Thursday, July 27, 2023 at WakeMed Cary. He was the son of the late Elaine Condos Polley and Ted Gomatos. Born in Boston, MA, on October 15, 1954, Jimmy's journey in life was filled with adventure and passion. From his early days at the Reservoir Liquor Store in Cleveland Circle to the Cary Deli & Grill and his later career in sales management, he approached every endeavor with an unmatched dedication and zest for life. He had many passions which included his fervent support for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He loved playing roulette, sitting at the table for hours waiting for 0/00 to hit. Nothing was better than his infectious joy when those numbers came up and hearing him claim his “system” works! Jimmy was also an avid golfer and one of the original members of the Prestonwood Country Club. He reveled in the camaraderie of the sport, sharing countless laughs with friends and fellow players. The annual highlight for Jimmy was teaming up with his big brother John to play in the Prestonian Golf Tournament. The Gomatos brothers were a life-long team on and off the greens. Jimmy’s greatest pleasure was being at home with family, whether it was on the Bass River in Cape Cod or in his living room watching movies with his two boys whom he considered to be his greatest achievements in life. Jimmy lived life to the fullest with a kindness, warmth, and sense of humor that touched everyone he met. Love and laughter were his gifts to all of us and for that, we are eternally grateful. Jimmy is survived by his two sons, George Holden Gomatos and James Peter Gomatos, Jr., who will carry his legacy forward with pride. He leaves behind three devoted brothers, John Gomatos, Clifford Polley, and Nicholas Polley; two loving sisters, Betsy Polley and Carolyn DelGizzi; former wife, Jenny Gomatos; and extended family that loved him dearly. The family would like to express their gratitude for the WakeMed Cary medical staff whose compassion, attentiveness and care went above and beyond. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 18, at 2:00pm at Genesis United Methodist Church Cary, officiated by Senior Pastor Shawn Blackwelder. Friends, family and all those touched by Jimmy’s life are welcome and encouraged to join us in this special commemoration. The service will be followed by a reception at Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 Eastside Chatham Street, Cary from 3:30 – 6:30. (Casual attire for the reception).