Miguel M. Gomez

      Miguel M. Gomez was known to be a reserved man by friends and family. He was loved by his wife and family. To family and friends who knew him best, Miguel will be remembered as an exceptional man.

      Miguel was born on November 3, 1933 in San Felipe Torres Mochas, Guanajuato, Mexico. He was the son of Asuncion Gomez and Julia Martinez. Miguel grew up and lived in San Felipe Torres Mochas until the age of 17 or 18.

      Miguel was raised with seven siblings in an hacienda in San Felipe. He had five sisters and two brothers: Cirila, Margarita, Fabian, Amalia, Jacinto, Abelina, and Esperanza. Being the oldest boy, he was tasked with caring for the hacienda owner's goats alongside his brother Fabian. This responsibility allowed him to only attend classes every other week.

      As a young boy, Miguel enjoyed playing baseball and marbles. Even though he was good at both games, he struggled developing his skills. Miguel was left-handed, but was forced to use his right hand by his father.

One of Miguel's fondest childhood memories was that of his pet dog, El Tejano.

In 1952 Miguel, Margarita, and his father relocated to Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico for work purposes. Later on, the rest of the family joined them.

In 1953 Miguel met Socorro. He courted Socorro my dedicating "Paloma Querida" to her five times at the town festival.

      On August 12, 1961 Miguel exchanged wedding vows with Socorro at San Fernando de Rosas Church in Zaragoza. The ceremony was followed by a 12 hour celebration filled with family, friends, food, and an orchestra. Empathic and loyal, Miguel was committed to making his new family happy.

The Monday following the wedding, Miguel and Socorro moved to Galveston Island, Texas. They lived there for seven years before moving to Chicago in July of 1968.

      Miguel worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Miguel was blessed with five children; three sons: Miguel, Robert, and Jaime and two daughters: Leticia and Patricia. Another blessing for Miguel was the gift of ten grandchildren: Ariana, Selena, Jaime, Caesar, Hope, Patricia, Danny, Marcos, Ashley, and Leah.

      Fortunately, Miguel enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Miguel worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as a machine operator. He was employed for 33 years at Sloan Valve Company in Franklin Park, Illinois. Miguel always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Miguel enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew, relax, and visit family and friends. His favorite destinations included Galveston Island and Zaragoza.

      When Miguel’s retirement finally arrived in 2002, he was well prepared. He decided to remain in Chicago with his family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in taking care of his grandchildren.

      Miguel passed away on December 29, 2015 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is survived by wife- Socorro, sons - Miguel and Robert, daughter - Patricia, ten grandchildren, two brothers, and three sisters. Services were held at Drake and Son Funeral Home. Miguel was laid to rest beside his son, Jaime, in Saint Adalbert Cemetery in Niles, Illinois.

      Simply stated, Miguel was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Miguel leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Miguel M. Gomez.