Valentin Gomez also known by his closest friends as "GoGo" passed away at age 66 on Friday, June 13, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born in Guantanamo, Cuba to Teresa Nogueras and Angel Gomez on March 10, 1948. He came to the United States in 1962 under 'Operation Pedro Pan' and attended Bishop Carroll High School residing in the Mariana Boys Home in Wichita, Kansas. Upon graduation he served honorably in the U.S. Army. He then relocated to New Orleans and received a BS Degree in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. He is survived by his loving wife, Alicia Vazquez Gomez, his two children, Valentin P. and Sandra Gomez, two sisters, Yolanda G. Valledor (the late Ignacio) and Teresa G. Ochoa (Jorge), brothers Jorge Gomez (Alina) and the late Miguel Angel Gomez, grandchildren, Andres Gomez and Louis Ovalasiti and many loving nieces and nephews. Valentin recently retired from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida and continued his employment at Citibank. His family is very grateful for the love and support they have received from his many friends and family. Services will be held on Wednesday June 18, 2014 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. A family viewing will commence at 8:30 AM followed by friends and loved ones at 9:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will be held in Valentin's memory at 12:00 PM with interment immediately after. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the memory of Valentin Gomez to the following address: Operation Pedro Pan Group Inc., 161 Madeira Avenue, Suite 61, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 or to the American Diabetes Association. To view and sign the Family Guest Book, go to www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Gomez Family.
July 13, 2014
Sandra Gomez
Papi you taught me to have pride in everything I do, work hard, and never ever give up. You also taught me to always be there for people when they need you and the importance of family. All these things you taught me are things you lived by every day. Your smile could light up a room and your presence alone made everything better. Thank you for Always being there 100% no matter what. No one could ask for a better dad. Hope you are having a blast with your grandson Antonio and the rest of the Gomez crew. You are Perfect Papi! No wonder you could sing Mac Davis “Oh Lord It's Hard to be Humble” better than anyone else. Love You! De Guantanamo al Cielo solo hay UN paso!
July 13, 2014
Sandra Gomez
June 28, 2014
Tony & Maria Cecilia Mouriz
Rezamos para que el alma de Valentin tenga descanso eterno junto a nuestro Senor.
June 25, 2014
Mary West
Ali & Sandra, we are very saddened by the loss of your wonderful husband and father. He was such a kind generous man. We are praying for Val and your entire family. Carmen & Mary
June 24, 2014
jenny casariego
Val, we will miss you dearly. You were such a wise and caring person to whom everyone loved and looked up to. You will forever be in our hearts.
June 23, 2014
Valentin,You were a very warm and helpful human being.I was glad to have one last opportunity to share time with you over Julian's house about a month ago.We will all miss you and pray that your soul be resting in peace and for God to give strength to your wife and the rest of the family.We will always remember you and hope to see you in heaven. Love you,Your Peter Pan Brother Antonio Garcia
June 21, 2014
luis diaz
Valentin, I did not get to spend a lot of time at Mariana Children's home but, one thing for sure is that by having resided there, we all created an inseparable bond that will never be broken. We will always be a life long brotherhood. I still remember and will always be grateful for you having visited me in 1964 when I was at St. Raphael's Home (Casa Carreon)in Miami. I will always thank God that I was able to attend Mariana's 50th Anniversary where I was able to see you and a lot of my Mariana brothers
To Alicia and all of your family I want to express my deepest condolences for their loss of a wonderful person..
June 21, 2014
Michael Aiena
Uncle Val, I will miss you always and am grateful for the times that we had together! We will take good care of Madrina Linda and will always be by her side. Thank you for always being there for us and taking such good care of me! Desde Pinar del Rio al Cielo solamente hay un paso! Hasta la proxima y con muchos carinos!
June 19, 2014
Valentin, you were a very warm and genuine person. You felt like family. May God watch over and protect your loved ones and pray your soul is at peace.
June 19, 2014
Krista Langford
Ali, So sorry to hear about your husband, Val. Unfortunately I feel your pain and know what you are enduring now. My heart goes out to you and your family. Praying God keeps you in His arms, providing His love and strength as He always does.
June 18, 2014
Ali I was very sadden to hear about Valentin's passing. God Bless you during
these hard times. Just keep faith he's with JC in a wonderful place.
Ed.Lugo
June 18, 2014
Edward Corrigan
Ali my dear friend. I am sadden to hear of the sudden passing of your Husband Valentin. May you find the strength to get through these hard times. Draw that strength from the friends and family that surround you in this time of darkness knowing that when the sun rises it will be "GoGo" smiling down on you.
June 18, 2014
Querida Ali, recibe nuestro mas sentido pésame, por la inesperada partida de tu amado esposo Valentin, por favor hazlo extensivo a toda la familia.
Lo recordaremos como un verdadero familiar, que han sido el y tú para mi hermana Vilma, y su familia, que tambien hoy lloran su ausencia fisica.
Un fuerte abrazo.,,,desde Republica Dominica Amelia y Luis
June 18, 2014
Octavio Tolentino
Compadre no le dire adios sino hasta pronto ya que todos nos encontraremos de nuevo al lado de DIOS.
June 18, 2014
Peter & Magaly
Ali and family, sorry for your loss and our dear close friend and brother Valentin. We will miss him and have you in our prayers. He will always be in our hearts. Love you, Peter and Magaly DelValle (Crestwood, KY)
June 18, 2014
Ali, como quisiera poder tener la capacidad de aliviar tu dolor, el compadrito siempre vivira en nuestros corazones y aqui estamos para ti siempre.
Familia Tolentino
June 18, 2014
Tishlee Harrison
Ali, I am so sorry for your loss and hope you find peace in this extremely difficult time. You and Val are in my family's thoughts, hearts, and prayers. The breif moment I was able to meet your loving hardworking husband has left a lasting impression in my mind. We send our love and sympathies to you and your family.
June 18, 2014
Val and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May you take comfort in knowing he is in a better place. Vickie & Eric Brooke, Jax., Fl
June 18, 2014
Barbara Chirinos
Aly, we are so very sorry for your loss. Valentin was a great man and will be greatly missed. Praying for comfort. We love you .
June 18, 2014
Lisa Nicholson
Sandra, I am very sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
June 18, 2014
Lisa Nicholson
Sandra, I am very sorry for the loss of your dad. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
June 17, 2014
Operation Pedro Pan Group
Valentin will always be remembered as one of the Mariana Boys from Wichita. He was a kind and loving person and also very generous with others. May he rest in peace and eternal light shine on him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gomez family at this time.
Operation Pedro Pan Group Inc.
June 17, 2014
Richard Coba
Gogo, I will miss you and will always remember you, specially on my birthday March 10. Rest in peace my brother and may God bless you and keep you in the company of father Kocour and my brother Roberto, and all of the Mariana Home brothers and sisters that have left us. My deepest sympathy and prayers to your wife Alicia and Family. Kaki
June 17, 2014
Jose Chirinos
Alicia y familia, nuestras oraciones estan con Uds.
May Our almighty Father has Valentin in His Glory.
Zulay y Pepe Chirinos
June 17, 2014
Alicia And family: May the grace and peace be multiplied to you and your family from our father and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. There is no denying that you have suffered a great loss.Just as you cry tears of sadness because of your loss, . Your husband was a God-sent…a gift a mighty of man of valor that touched and changed lives through his kindness, words of wisdom and love.Hoping all the things that made him a special gift from God will forever bless your life as you reflect on the beautiful memories you all shared together. Remember he's only sleeping according to I Thessalonians 4:13,14. Yvette Zapata - Jacksonville Fl
June 17, 2014
Alicia and Family, we express our deepest condolences with this unexpected loss. Lots of strength in time to come.
Sandra + Rinus Schepen- Jacksonville
June 17, 2014
Raymond Perez
Valentin Gomez was a great friend. He had a great personality and was very caring. My friend will be truly missed. He is in the Lords house and in a better place. May God bless your family during this difficult time and provide his blessings upon you. Raymond Perez - Jacksonville Fl Citi.
June 17, 2014
VILMA RAMOS
Alicia:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God gives you the strength you need during this tough time. We are with you and I cannot wait to see you to give you a big hug. Love you! Vilma and Carlos
June 17, 2014
Famiglia Tondi From all in Ohio and Italy
Familia Gomez, Aiena and Vasquez; there are no words, as a family of friends we share in your, our loss. Val, a man that will forever be remembered in our Hearts, Minds and Soul. With our most sincerest of Sympathies and Love from the Entire Tondi Family and Ron Zysek
June 17, 2014
Ali amiga querida: Ninguna palabra puede llenarte de Consuelo en este momento de dolor en que has perdido la mitad de tu vida, de tu alma y esta vacia la mitad de tu cama. Se que Dios te dara fuerza para poder continuar tu vida solo con el recuerdo de ese ser amado que ya no estara contigo. Espero que el cariño de los amigos de la mesa puedan en parte ayudar a mitigar tu dolor. Te quiere Angela Reyes
June 17, 2014
Carmen Romanach
Valentin, you will always be remembered, especially by your Pedro Pan brothers and sisters that you so much loved. It was a priviledge and a joy to meet you and Ali during the Wichita Reunion. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Love, Carmencita Romanach
June 17, 2014
Lori Danger
Ali, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this extremely difficult time.
June 17, 2014
julia bonnelly
Querida Alicia! muy triste ante la noticia de la perdida de tu esposo. Espero Dios les de Fortaleza y resignacion para aceptarlo y recorder que el siempre estara en sus vidas!!!! un abrazo desde la republica- Julia Bonnelly
June 17, 2014
My condolences to the family. Alicia, les envío, por este medio, mi más sentido pésame. Es dificil despedirse de un ser tan querido pero el amor de Dios, que supera todo entendimiento, les brindara paz y tranquilidad.
Mayra Bejarano (Jacksonville)
June 17, 2014
Wendy MacDonald
Ali. I am soo sorry for your loss during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we are here for you ....
June 17, 2014
Ali, He may not be there physically,
But he will always be right there with you in soul.Remember, love never dies.
Valentin was a wonderful person
he will truly be missed.
Your friends Glenda & Gian Carlo Quinones
June 17, 2014
Kelly Brown
We will miss you here at Citibank
June 17, 2014
Laura Robertson
Ali- You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
June 17, 2014
Ashley Davis
Ali my deepest sympathy goes to you during this difficult time. May God comfort you and the family. My prayers are with you.
June 17, 2014
Carmen Mckinnon
Alicia
Gentle thoughts during these difficult days, Rest in Peace Valentin!.
June 17, 2014
My deepest sympathies to you and your family Ali. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Rose Rahm
June 17, 2014
Miriam Walker
You will be missed Val. A very Sweet Man From head to toe. My Condolences to the Family and you all are in my Prayers. remeber God Knows Best. Miriam Walker
June 17, 2014
It was very nice to work with Val at Mayo Clinic. He was always upbeat and energetic about life, with certain charisma about him. Val's knowledge in many area of finances and life in general was certainly appreciated. Heartfelt condolescence goes out to his wife, children and family. May they be comforted! (Val, hope you can look from above with a smile!) Julia and Petre
June 17, 2014
Barbara Johnson
My sympathy and prayers go out for Ali and family.
June 16, 2014
Steven Sterrett
Hey Val you were a highlight for me everyday, save a good table for us up there. God bless you and your family. I'll see you again.
June 16, 2014
Shirley Santoni ( Crowley )
My heartfelt condolance to Ali and family. May God comfort you during this time of need.
June 16, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are going up for your lovely wife and family. I had the priviledge of working with Val at Mayo Clinic and he sat on the other side of the cubicle from me. We talked daily about our families and our children. Val was an inspiration to me while I was there and even when I had cancer. He always brought a smile to me. I will love you forever friend.
Stephanie Shumate and Family
Mt. Airy, North Carolina
June 16, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of love, comfort and console
the family during their time of
bereavement.
My sincere and heartfelt prayers are
with the family.
~Elizabeth, Atlanta, GA
June 16, 2014
Caroline Givens
"MY Deepest sympathy to to your lovely wife and family, Val will forever remain in our team here at Mayo, He shared much wisdom and knowledge and was a very humble dedicated worker, You will be truly missed" From the Carol Givens & Family~
June 16, 2014
Humberto Rapado
GoGo, it was an honor growing up with you at Mariana' Boys Home and you are our brother and friend forever. We miss you.
June 16, 2014
Manuel De Jesus
Valentin, such an amazing person who touched the lives of many. We pray that God grants his eternal rest in heaven and that his soul rests in peace.
June 16, 2014
Juan Bofill Romanach
Valentin,my Mariana Pedro Pan brother, you will be remeber well by all of us who had the opportunity to cross you path,to the family be proud of having this soul that continues to be part of you
Juan Bofill Romanach
Mariana Boy's
June 16, 2014
John Mas
In Loving memory of a Wonderful Friend and Pedro Pan Brother--We will miss you Always.
June 16, 2014
Jane McAlee
With deepest sympathy to Ali, Sandra and Val Jr. and to all who knew and loved Val. He was a sweet, kind man and a very hard worker who loved his family so much.
June 16, 2014
JoAnn Ortega
Ali and family,
I was MY privilege to have met Val working at Mayo that fateful day in the elevator when he heard me speaking spanish. I remember that his eyes lit up when he said "Por aqui somos pocos, pero distinguidos". He made me laugh so hard I couldnt breath.
I hope that it will be a consolation to you to know how much he loved you all. Ali, he spoke of you all the time and jokingly referred to you as "la jefa". Anyone could feel the love and pride he had for his family just by listening to him speak of you, which he often did. Val, mi amigo.... My heart is very heavy and I will miss you beyond words. You certainly were the friendliest face at Mayo. I cant believe the world has lost such a wonderful, loving and gentle soul. Anyone who knew Val was certainly blessed, as were you to have him as a husband, father, or in your life.
God bless you and keep you in the warmth of his embrace. Rest in Peace, I will miss you my friend.
June 16, 2014
Joanne Shepherd
Val was a valued co-worker here at Mayo Clinic and will be truly missed. Val loved his wife and family very much and on his last day of work, he explained how happy he was to spend more time them. Many prayers will be sa
June 16, 2014
Rafael Cornejo
Valentin, you will be missed by many. It was a personal pleassure to have met such a nice person,hard worker, dedicated husband and father.
June 16, 2014
Dave Abbott
To one of the bravest team mates and class mates I have ever known.
Dave Abbott class 66
June 16, 2014
Susy Rodriguez
Val, my friend....I will miss your kindness and sense of humor. You have been a good friend in the short time we've known each other. May all the good things about you be of comfort to Ali and your children. May the Lord's love keep you in eternity! Your Pedro Pan sister!
June 16, 2014
Charise Arnold
I was already missing you Val (as I knew him) when you retired from Mayo and now my heart is so heavy knowing I will not get to see your smilling face here on this side again. You were truely an inspiration (and funny too) to all those whose paths you crossed. To the Gomez family and loved ones I offer my heart felt condolences, may all your memories help you find peace.
June 16, 2014
Ellen Brady
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 16, 2014
Val you will always be remembered as a kind and generous person any one can have ever met. I thank God for the time I have known you and I pray for healing for your family during this time of grief. I send a special condolence for Mrs Gomez she was your everything you will be missed.
June 16, 2014
Lynn Jacek
While I didn't know Val very well, I will always remember his happy smiling face! We had several conversations over the microwave in the break room (before I began working from home). He loved his wife and family and he loved life! Those things were very evident. He will be missed, but remembered fondly!!
June 16, 2014
Alberta
My prayers are with the Family, I pray that God continue to keep you as you go through this time. RIP Val. I am sure you will be missed by all.
Mayo Co-worker
June 16, 2014
My prayers are with the Family. I worked with Val at Mayo Clinic for many years. He was a wonderful man, very happy an a pleasure to be around. I know he will be missed. Prayers and God Bless, Mary Shelley
June 16, 2014
Lazaro San Martin
Gogo, your friendship was a rare gift. Always positive, always trying to help, always a peacekeeper. You were a living model of friendship and family. I am honored to have been your Pedro Pan brother for these many years. Your brothers from Mariana Boys Home will remember you with Aprecio y Agradecimiento for your friendship. Alicia, Sandra, Valentin Jr.and family, rest assured that God will reward this good man. May God bless all of you with internal peace.
June 16, 2014
George Mas
You will always be remembered as a very special person by all of us. Please give Father Kocour a hug for all of us. RIP
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