Manuel Gomez Jr.

Manuel Abedardo Gomez II, 81, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, from complications of hemochromatosis. He was surrounded by loved ones and family.

Manuel was born on December 23, 1943, in the small town of El Rancho, New Mexico, to Manuel A. Gomez I and Rosina Gonzales. He married Mary/Maida Magdalena Romero in Nambe, New Mexico and together they had three children: two daughters, Valerie (Joe Chavez) and Rhonda (Jason Sanchez), and a son, Manuel Gomez III (Regina Duran).

A Life Well Lived

Manuel grew up in a large family with 10 siblings. From a young age, he demonstrated a deep love for family and an unwavering dedication to those he cherished.

As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Manuel took great pride in building his daughter’s homes with the help of family members. He was known for his deep love of Christmas, a holiday that truly brought out his childlike joy and warmth. Sharing Christmas with him felt like experiencing it for the first time. His family takes comfort in knowing he held on for one last Christmas before his passing.

Manuel worked several years at Gorham China in California and retired from the State of New Mexico before working at the Santa Fe Community College. 

Manuel had a signature way of welcoming and saying goodbye to loved ones. He always greeted visitors at the front door with a big smile and a warm embrace. When it was time to leave, he would walk his guests to their cars, waving them off until they were completely out of sight.

He also had a natural presence, he knew how to make an entrance into any room, and his infectious personality always lit up the space around him.

A Passion for Life

In his later years, Manuel was known for his deep love and protection of his family. Anyone who knew him understood his passion for all things antique. His game room was filled with an impressive collection of antique toys and nostalgic memorabilia, reflecting his appreciation for history and craftsmanship.

Above all, Manuel will be remembered for his huge sense of humor. He loved telling jokes, sharing memorable stories, and bringing joy to those around him. He loved deeply, and those he cherished never doubted the depth of his affection.

Preceded in Death

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel A. Gomez I and Rosina Gomez, as well as his brothers-in-law Vicente Romero, Raymond Romero, David Romero, David Roybal, and Joe Sisneros, his sisters-in-law Mary Louise Ortiz and Rita Romero, and his nieces and nephews Debbie Martinez, Danny Gomez, Leonard Gutierrez, Monica Alejo, Dean Montoya, and Donnie Ray Romero.

Survivors

Manuel is survived by his loving wife of more than sixty years, Mary (Maida), and his three children:

 • Valerie (Joe Chavez) of Santa Fe, New Mexico along with their children, Drew (Jerrold Roybal-Chavez) and Jeanelle.

 • Rhonda (Jason Sanchez) of Rowe, New Mexico along with their children, Jason Scott (Regina Sanchez), Louis, and Julia (Chris Carreathers).

 • Manuel/Manny Gomez III (Regina Duran) of Santa Fe, New Mexico and his daughter Athena of Phoenix, Arizona. 

Manuel is Survived by his four sisters:

• Delfina (Rueben) Gutierrez 
• Celina (Donald) Martinez
• Emelda Sisneros
• Aggie Roybal

Manuel is survived by his six brothers:

• Johnny
• Benny (Veronica)
• Billy
• Cippy (Pam) 
• Albert
• Edward

The Gomez family has entrusted Manuel’s care to DeVargas Funeral Home in Española, New Mexico.

A Rosary will be held in Pojoaque, New Mexico, at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque (9 Grazing Elk Drive) in Jaconita, New Mexico, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and internment at El Rancho Catholic Cemetery. 

Honorary Pallbearers include Drew Roybal-Chavez, Jeanelle Chavez, Jason Scott Sanchez, Louis Sanchez, Julia Sanchez, Athena Gomez, Jerrold Roybal-Chavez, Regina Sanchez, and Chris Carreathers 

The family of Manuel Gomez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477