John Alvarado Gomez

A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John Alvarado Gomez, 88, born on December 27, 1932, in Tucson, AZ, passed away January 28, 2021. He resided in West Covina, CA at the time of his passing. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 11th, 2021, at 11:00 am at St. Christopher Catholic Church in West Covina, California. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, located in Monrovia, California.

Survivors include John's beloved wife, Angela C. Gomez of West Covina; two daughters, Angie Gomez Lippiatt (husband , Jeff) of La Verne, CA, Cynthia Gomez-Knott (husband, Micheal), of Walnut, CA, a son, John Gomez Jr. of West Covina, CA; one step-daughter, Olga Bugarin (husband, Rogelio)of Tinley Park, IL, one step-son Manuel Barraza (wife, Rose) Chicago, IL; nine grandchildren, Desiree Adrian (husband, Mario), David Ian Huerta (wife, Brianna), Christopher Knott, Daniel Knott, Jasmine Gomez, Christian Gomez, Vivian Gomez; step-grandchildren, Eric Bugarin (wife, Paola), Sarah Bugarin, Elizabeth Barraza, Lauren Barraza; two great-grand children and several nieces and nephews and their families living in Arizona.

John (Juan/Juanito) was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona to his beloved mother, Juanita Alvarado of San Luis Potosi, Mexico and father, Gregorio Gomez of Sonora, Mexico. Growing up, John would spend his idle time playing amongst the cactus chasing after lizards with his dog Buckey. When he was older and attending high school, he would work in the early mornings before school and again after school, loading 50 lb. blocks of ice onto Southern Pacific Railroad refrigeration trains. When he was 20 years old, John enlisted in the US Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War as a Airplane Mechanic and Flex Gunner. During his deployment, he traveled to many places including Japan, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. While in the service of his country, John earned the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After being honorably discharged from the US Airforce, John resumed working at the ice plant while also attending the University of Arizona where he earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Business Administration. After graduating from the University of Arizona, John made the difficult decision to leave his beloved mother and relocate to California in pursuit of better job opportunities. Arriving in Los Angeles, California John lost no time finding work as an apartment manager and health food store manager. At the apartment he managed, a young attractive tenant caught his eye. This tenant, Angela, would eventually become his wife. John's hard work and perseverance led him from his manager positions, to postal worker, driver of mayors and counsel members of the city and county of Los Angeles . John's diligence had hard work payed off when he eventually acquired the position with the City of Los Angeles as an Elevator Mechanic. There John worked until he retired at the bright young age of 55.

During this time, John along with his wife Angela lovingly raised together two daughters and a son. John also selflessly welcomed Angela's biological daughter and son into their home. As time went on, John not only enjoyed watching his son and daughters grow, but also his grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Besides enjoying spending time with his family and friends, John enjoyed visiting Casinos with slot machines and the West Covina Senior Citizen Center. John was very fond of eating out, especially buffets. John also enjoyed staying after church in the fellowship area where he would enjoy coffee and pastries with Angela and fellow parishioners. When John was at home, he would spend his free time reading, watching the news and watching football games, often rooting for whichever team was winning, while never claiming to be a fan of any one team.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Dona Juanita; his father, Gregorio; three brothers, Gregorio (Yoyo) Gomez, Enrique (Henry) Gomez, Norberto (Beto) Gomez; an infant brother and sister, Amelia Gomez.

Juan, Dad, Grandpa, GG-Pa, you will always be in our hearts. We will never forget you.