Joe Leonard Gomez

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Joe Leonard (JL) Gomez on December 26, 2021. Leonard was born on March 21, 1956 to Juan D. and Emilia Gomez. Leonard lived all his life in Tierra Amarilla, NM but had recently lived in Chama, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Avelina Gomez. Brothers Jesus and Adolfo Gomez, lifelong companion Nancy Maestas, and stepson Jerry Maestas.

Leonard is survived by his daughter Raelynn Gomez (Chris), sons Adolfo Gomez (Meadows), Joe Leonard Jr. Gomez (Amber), grandson raised as his own Jerry Vallejos, other grandsons Miguel, and Nasario, granddaughter Nasaria, sisters Dolores G. Romero (Juan), Lucy G. Vigil, sister-in-law Lena Maestas and nine nieces and nephews.

Leonard received his certificate in Culinary Arts from Northern New Mexico Community College and went to work in several different restaurants in the area. He was always willing to help anyone in need. Recently you’d find him helping at the Senior Citizen Center in Chama, NM.

He loved to take his daily walks and have coffee with his friends. When he was younger, he enjoyed going to Ben’s Lounge in Chama, because he loved to dance.

Serving the family as pallbearers are his grandsons Jerry, Miguel, and Narsario.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held January 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Santo Nino church in Tierra Amarilla, NM.

Burial will be held at a later date.

The family has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. We invite you to post a condolence, a thoughtful message, a photograph or share a memory for our families to read on the guestbooks