Robert Rey Garcia
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Ralph Gomez Jr. He was called home on March 16, 2022 with his family and lifelong friends by his side, after a 2nd brief battle with Cancer. Born on December 10, 1955 to Ralph and Hortencia Gomez of Santa Paula. Santa Paula was his home where he resided and raised his family for 66 years.
He was a 1974 graduate of SPHS. After high school he enlisted in the US ARMY where he proudly served his country from 1974-1976 and was honorably discharged as an SP4 Corporal Specialist and awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was stationed overseas in Bitburg Germany and often shared stories and pictures of the many sites he saw. Incredibly proud to have been of service to his country and a Vietnam Veteran.
After returning home, he went to work for General Motors in Van Nuys. When the plant closed he chose to stay in Santa Paula and worked for the State of CA Cal-Trans Department, then later became a truck driver and retired.
On June 30th 1979 he married the love of his life Dolores and together had three children, Brian, Adrienne and Ralph Anthony. Family was life to Ralph, and his friends were his chosen family of which there are many.
His passion for sports was undeniable. Football (avid RAMS & BRUINS fan), Baseball (true blue DODGER fan) and Basketball (LA LAKERS) were on TV every chance he could watch a game or he was in attendance. A dream came true this year for him when he was able to go see his beloved Rams' at SO FI Stadium at home take the playoff win to go to the Super Bowl this year. Icing on the cake was watching them win the Super Bowl. Thank you Compa Jack, he was so very happy! He enjoyed playing sports and coaching even more. Any where he went you always heard someone say "hey coach". Dedicated many long hours and years to the youth of Santa Paula in Youth Football and Little League. Loved to win, but he did it for the LOVE OF THE GAME.
A loving heart stopped beating leaving many hearts broken and filled with wonderful memories of the man whose actions spoke louder than words. Smiling face, warm hugs and an I love you was genuine no matter where you were, family and his friends were everything to him. He made the time to let you know he loved you.
Ralph is survived by his wife Dolores, son's Brian Gomez, Ralph Anthony Gomez his daughter Adrienne Gomez, granddaughter Aliyah Gomez, grandson Julius Gomez and his lil pug Ziva. He also leaves behind his siblings Gilbert (Penny) Gomez, Albert Gomez, Betty Gomez, Melinda Gomez, Eddie (Diana) Gomez,Chris Gomez and numerous nieces,nephews and Godchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph & Hortencia Gomez, his niece Angelica Gomez, grandparents, uncle's, aunt's, cousins and friends who
greeted him with open arms.
The family would like to thank his loving Compas Jack Mendez and Joe (Wimpy) Lopez who stayed by his side and helped him when he needed it most until the very end. Dr. Henry Montes who went over and beyond to get the care he needed rolling and being there to answer questions clearly and truthfully.
Ralph you will be missed but never forgotten you were a loving, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, nephew, cousin, Compa, Nino and friend...fly high.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, April 1, 2022 at Church of Angels, 600 E. Pleasant Street, Santa Paula, CA. A Rosary will be recited with Mass following on April 2, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 427 N. Oak Street, Santa Paula CA and a Celebration of life reception following. Interment with Military Honors will be held on April 9, 2022 at 10:00am at Santa Paula Cemetery.
To sign the family's online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Ralph's name located in Recent Obituaries.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garc?a Jr Funeral Services, Santa Paula, CA 805.229.7054
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