Manny was born on October 1, 1953, in Aurora, Colorado to Ana Maria and Manuel Gomez Jr. He was raised in Los Angeles, California, where he graduated from St. Bernard Catholic High School. His family transferred to Huntsville, Alabama shortly before he joined the United States Army, where he proudly served for four years, including a tour of duty in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1978, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Florida State University. His college years were characterized by academic excellence and a passion for rugby. He continued to enjoy rugby through the early years of his accounting career which began in Houston where he worked at the Chronicle. Eventually his career grew within the cellular phone industry over the next 40 years, spanning to Austin and Dallas where it culminated in 18 years at T-Mobile as a Senior Regional Finance Manager.
On July 20, 1990, in Friendswood TX, Manny married Gina Diotalevi Gomez, the love of his life. They were married in the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church. Over the next 36 years they built a family grounded in faith, love, and enduring traditions.
Manny embraced life with enthusiasm. He was a lifelong baseball fan, an exercise enthusiast, an accomplished rugby player, and a self-certified Texas master griller who loved music and spent hours perfecting his lawn. He was always active in his church and took every opportunity to serve his family.
He is survived by his wife, Gina; his children, Victoria, Emily, Elaine, and Mathew; his grandchildren, Julian, Oliver, Joaquin, and Sofia; his mother, Ana Maria; and his siblings, Paula, Catherine, James, and Dawn. He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Gomez Jr. and his sisters, Vivian and Teresa.
Manuel leaves behind a legacy measured by his accomplishments and by the example he set of hard work, faith, generosity. He taught those around him the value of showing up, doing what is right, and loving well. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew him.
