Willie Gomez

Willie Gomez, Jr., 95, of Albuquerque, New Mexico was called to his eternal resting place on August 27, 2021.

Willie was born June 26, 1926 in Los Lunas, New Mexico to the late Willie M. and Fela (Sanchez) Gomez. Willie is survived by his four children: Jeanne Salazar, Theresa Gomez, Carla Carrillo and husband Jim, Guillermo Gomez and wife Carmen and five grandchildren: Esteban, Julio, Sarah, Santiago, and Sophia. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years Angelina Lopez Gomez, baby son Joseph Gomez, brothers; Orlando (Matilde), Bobby (Brenda), and Tony, sisters; Betty (Joe) and Nellie (Bill). He was a high school athlete participating in track, baseball, and basketball. With Willie’s help his high school basketball team went to the state tournament for the first time in Los Lunas' history.  He was a W.W. II veteran having served in combat with the 37th division in Luzon, Philippines, and was a participant in its liberation.  He was also a member of the V.F.W. Willie was a devout Roman Catholic, a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of Risen Savior Catholic Church.  After graduating from UNM, he married Angelina Lopez in 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Albuquerque. Shortly thereafter, they moved to California where they lived for 15 years and began a family. They relocated to Santa Fe in 1968. Then again 11 years later to Los Lunas briefly, before moving to Albuquerque where they lived the rest of their lives. Willie enjoyed exploring museums, beaches, forests, and other natural landmarks with his family in the Monterey Bay and San Francisco areas. He also enjoyed exploring New Mexico towns and attractions with his family. Later in life he and his wife took many tours to nearby states as well as Spain and Portugal. He was very creative and enjoyed woodcarving, focusing mostly on traditional New Mexico religious art, as well as gardening, watching sports and spending time with his grandchildren.  Willie was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Daniel’s Family Funeral Home at 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, followed by a rosary at 9:30 a.m. and a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church at 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.