Joel Almendarez Gomez

ROY – Joel Almendarez Gomez, Sr., 69, passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Ogden, Utah, with his family at his side. He was born on July 17, 1943 in McAllen, Texas, the son of Francisco Ramirez and Maria Del Refugio Almendarez Gomez. He married Alicia Castillo on July 19, 1961 in Milford, Illinois. Joel served in the Navy and is a retired Civilian from Hill Air Force Base. He lost his battle with Leukemia leaving his mark of success in the world with a wonderful family who will miss him dearly. He was respectful, honest and a hardworking man, a wonderful, loving, family-oriented father, grandfather and brother who loved to fish and garden. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren who will remember his love and loyalty to God, Country, and family. He had a sense of humor, was very generous, and was kind to all. He loved being at family outings and cooking for the crowd as well as making and donating meals to many causes. His best dishes were tamales, carnitas, canning his “real mean and spicy secret chili salsa that will make your ears smoke”, and bar-b-que that he cooked with his wife. He and his wife helped raise many of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He reminded us of his father, Francisco R. “Pancho” Gomez, who also loved children. Recently eight sisters, a brother, nieces and nephews gave him his last wish, as they traveled from all over the country to surround him and his wife, Alicia and all their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild in their arms of love. One hobby he really enjoyed was his jewel crystals. He learned all about their properties and benefits to mankind and made many lovely jewelry pieces for necklaces and bracelets for the family. He took great care in choosing which one to give each person. Joel is survived by his wife of 51 years, Alicia Castillo Gomez, Roy; daughters, Andrea (Tomas) Martinez, West Valley; Amelia Gomez Dwyer, North Ogden and Mary Ester, (Dar) Laub, Clinton; sons, Joel, Jr. (Geri) Gomez, Clinton and Alexander Gomez, Clearfield; 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren; brothers, Juan Gomez, Reynosa, Mexico; Benjamin (Alice) Gonzales, Buffalo, NY; Fidel B. Gomez, Las Vegas, NV; and Captain Heriberto (Martha) Gomez, Kingsville, TX; sisters, Bertha Gomex (Jesus) Reyes, Brigham City, UT; Ruth G. Figueroa, New Orleans, LA; Ana G. Diaz, Pensacola, FL; Mary Gomez (Eleovardo) Chavez, San Juan, TX; Catarina Gomez Trevino, San Juan, TX; Amelia Gomez (Rogelio) Valencia, St. Joseph, IL; Maria del Refugio Gomez (Richard) Guerra, New Orleans, LA; Aurora G. (Julio) Caserez, Brigham City, UT; Dolores (Bill) Bryant, Murray, UT; and Susana Gomez (Tom) Arce of Brownsville, TX; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joel A. Gomez, II; grandsons, Michael Dwyer and Anthony Dwyer, Sr.; great-grandchildren, Anthony Dwyer, Jr. and Alyssa Marie Bemis; brother, Francisco Gomez and sisters, Aurora Gomez and Josefina Carrasco, and some nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, 380 South 200 East, Brigham City. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Interment, Brigham City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Joel A. Gomez, Sr. Memorial Fund at any branch of America First Credit Union.