Col. Viviano Gomez, Jr., U.S. Army (Retd.)

Col. Viviano Gomez, Jr. U.S. Army (Ret.) was born in Cuero, TX on November 26, 1924 and died on July 20, 2012. His first year of school was at St. Michael’s Catholic School; thereafter, he attended school in the Cuero School System where he played football for the Cuero Gobblers in 1942. He scored two touchdown passes of 30 yards or more thrown by Arnie Moore. He was supposed to graduate from High School in 1944, but was drafted in 1943. On December 28, 1944, he was aboard the “Empire Javelin”, a British ship heading for La Havre, France when the ship was torpedoed and sank in the English Chanel. 13 men were lost and 29 injured. After serving in La Havre, he then proceeded to Northern France and Belgium. After the war ended, he returned to the United States wherein he received an Honorable Discharge at Camp Chafee, AR as a PFC in 1946. Col. Gomez returned to Cuero to complete his high school education and obtain his diploma. After graduation, he moved to San Antonio and attended San Antonio Junior College (now known as San Antonio College). After graduating from SAC, he attended St. Mary’s University Law School receiving an LLB (Bachelor of Law)Degree, later changed to JD (Doctor of Jurisprudence), and graduated in 1950. He remained in active Reserves from 1946-1949. From 1949 to 1952, he served in the Texas National Guard. In 1952, he returned to the United States Army as an Officer in the Judge Advocate Corp. In 1969, he was sent to Ethiopia as an advisor where he personally met Emperor Haili Selassie. After 37 years of service, Col. Gomez earned the following medals and decorations: 1-Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service; 3 Army Commendations-Army B; Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign Medal; European/African/Middle East Campaign; WWII Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal-Germany; National Defense Medal; Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He served as Staff Judge Advocate-USA-Hawaii; Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Ord, California; and U. S. Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Colonel Gomez is survived by his wife, Patricia J. Gomez; son, Marco Antonio Gomez (Velma); and four daughters, Maria T. Gomez, Monica Gaynor, Marisa Ellerson (Gary), and Tricia Lynn Silva (Cesar); he has 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Col. Gomez has been a member of St. Pius X Parish since 1975. He loved to read to the young school children who referred to him as “Peepaw”, a name given to him by his oldest grandson, Kyle and grandchildren thereafter. Among his other ministries at St. Pius; Lector/Reader, 25 years; teaching altar servers, 15 years; and Funeral Director, 14 years (participating in 527 funerals). He retired from his church ministries in July, 2008 due to failing health. Col. Gomez was a lifelong Cubs fan and Cuero Gobbler supporter. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 30, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Chapel, with a rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full Military Honors. The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Harbour Hospice of Bexar County, and caregivers, Rose Marie Medina and Juanita Maciel for their care, love, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the “Guardian Angel Program” at St. Pius Catholic School or Boysville, Inc.