John S. Gomez, age 82, of Corona, California, passed away on April 3, 2026. He was born on March 4, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas to Antonio Gomez and Inez Suarez. Raised among many brothers and sisters, he grew up with a strong sense of adventure and a spirited nature, often finding himself in mischief, but always guided by curiosity and a love for life.

That adventurous spirit carried into adulthood when he proudly served more than 20 years in the United States Army. His military service took him overseas to Germany, where he developed a deep appreciation for German deli meats and culture. He traveled throughout Europe to places such as Poland, France, England, and Ireland, to name a few—experiences that broadened his worldview and enriched the stories he would later share. Following his military career, he continued his dedication to public service in a myriad of capacities. He pursued higher education with determination, earning his bachelor’s at California State University, Dominguez Hills. John had a deep passion for law, lifelong learning, and storytelling—often captivating those around him with his rich experiences and vivid tales.

In the autumn of 1988, John married Elnora Cunningham, a partnership rooted in love, respect and shared joy through travel, dancing, and music, including Motown and jazz. They built a life together filled with meaningful moments and simple pleasures, raising two children, a son and daughter who he taught to always know themselves, no matter their audience and always supporting their aspirations.

John was a man of many interests. He had a deep love for reading, particularly the works of Louis L’Amour. He enjoyed collecting coins and appreciated art in all its forms, attending museums, theater, musicals, and concerts. He found calm and peace spending time near the ocean. He loved working with his hands—whether tending to his garden or taking things apart and putting them back together in his own unique “John way.” Though he liked fishing, it was often more about the experience than the catch. He also had a well-known sweet tooth and never met a dessert he didn’t enjoy, especially a perfectly made sundae with all the fixings.

John experienced both deep love and profound loss in his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Barrett D’Juan Gomez, who passed in the summer of 2012, and several siblings. John is survived by his devoted wife, Elnora; his loving daughter, Almalita Elena Inez Gomez; his cherished dog, Kurly; two brothers; four sisters; and many loved relatives, friends, and military brethren.

John will be remembered for his laugh, his storytelling spirit, his unwavering generosity, and his enduring commitment to others. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.