Rafael Gomez Jr. Obituary (1944 - 2020)

Rafael Gomez Jr. Lansing Passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the age of 75. Born August 5, 1944 in Lansing, Michigan. Rafael who was often referred to as Ralph or Jr. by his friends and family was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School class of '62. He went on to attend Lansing Community College where he graduated with an Associates Degree. Ralph worked for Milling Drop Forge for 22 years before going to work for General Motors where he retired after 12 years working in Skilled Trades. In his younger years Ralph enjoyed boxing and participated in Golden Gloves. He also enjoyed playing baseball. Ralph was an avid sports fan and his favorite teams were the Detroit Tigers and Lions. He also had a passion for playing golf, cards, fishing and bowling. Ralph organized family tournaments that consisted of Euchre, bowling, golf and playing pool to which, he made trophies for each that would get passed around to the current champion. He was a family man who cared about others. He enjoyed his work and paid great attention to detail with all things he did. He enjoyed working with wood and was quite crafty and made many things. He was credited for developing a safety measure while working at General Motors for a common maintenance procedure that allowed for a safer working environment for himself and other employees. Ralph was a great man and he will be dearly missed by all who remember him. Preceding him in death were his parents and six siblings, John, Pat, Ernie, Dora, Dick and Elizabeth. Surviving are his wife, Mary Gomez; sons, Eric Gomez, Jason Gomez, Casey (Kay) Gomez; brother, William (Mary) Patino; sister, Olga (Fernando) Oritz as well as many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Home, Lansing Chapel. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com