Rafael J. Gomez, Jr.

SMSGT U. S. Air Force Retired, Rafael J. Gomez, Jr., 66, of Uniontown, Pa. and formerly of Carmichaels, Pa., died at 9:07 A.M. on Friday, December 30, 2016 at his home. He was born May 17, 1950 in Waynesburg, Pa., a son of the late Rafael and Phyllis Isabel (Phillips) Gomez, Sr. Mr. Gomez was a 1969 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School and resided in Uniontown since 2000. On May 22, 1969, he entered the U. S. Air Force and was stationed at the 380th Supply Squadron in Plattsburgh, N. Y., the 301st Combat Support Group at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio and also served on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Mr. Gomez then served with the 4756th Supply Squadron at the Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, the 20th Supply Squadron (USAFE) RAF in Upper Heyford, England, the 47th Supply Squadron (ATC), Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, the 15th Air Base Wing (PACAF) Air Field Wake Island and retired on July 31, 1993 from the Tyndall Air Force Base.

Mr. Gomez was Roman Catholic and a member of North Union Township Post 8543, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He played with two bands in the Carmichaels area, "The Falcons" from 1965 until 1968 and with the "Revelations" from 1968 to 1969. On September 27, 1969, he married Sheila G. Sambol, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Cammie R. Shook and her husband, Tim, of Greensboro, Pa.; a son, David R. Gomez, at home; eight grandchildren, Heather Rachelle Shook (Claire), Cody Roger Shook (Brittany Hileman), KC Ray Shook, KJ Reese Shook, Bethany K. Headlee, Christian D. Gomez, Evin B. Gomez and Falisatie N. Gomez; a brother, George S. Gomez of Nemacolin, Pa. and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, David Rafael Gomez and James Allen Gomez and a sister, Carmella Zangla. Mr. Gomez also leaves behind his dogs, Bo & Brandie.

Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P. M. on Monday in the Yoskovich Funeral Home, Carmichaels, Pa. where a blessing service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, January 3, 2016, followed at 11:00 A.M. by a Mass of the Resurrection at St. Hugh Roman Catholic Church, 408 Route 88, Carmichaels with the Rev. John M. Bauer as celebrant.

The Carmichaels Honor Guard and the U. S. Air Force will accord military honors at the church immediately following the funeral Mass.

A vigil will be held at 6 P.M. on Monday in the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3491, 500 W. George St., Carmichaels, PA 15320.