Rudolph Kondoff Gomez Sr.

Rudolph (Rudy) Kondoff Gomez, Sr. of San Antonio, TX, passed peacefully into his heavenly home on October 22, 2025, at the age of 98.

Born on February 09, 1927, in San Antonio, he graduated from San Antonio Vocational and Technical High School (Fox Tech) where he met the love of his life, Mary Louise Chavez, at a fruit stand at Five Points where Rudy was working part-time as a very young man after grade school. Dad recalls seeing Mom riding in the back seat of a model A Ford with her head barely visible, but he was quick to refer to this cute, shy girl as "Shorty" and "Cat-Eyes" because she was so short and had beautiful green eyes. This cat-and-mouse game when on for several years before they even spoke with each other. They finally connected in high school when Mom was as a sophomore and Dad a senior. Their journey as a married couple would not begin for several more years until after Dad Graduated from high school, joined the Navy, and was discharged after the end of WWII. Dad then began courting her seriously for a few years before asking for her hand in marriage. They were married at Little Flower Catholic Church (now the Basilica) in 1948. Together, they raised five children and sacrificed to provide each of them with a Catholic School education and provided support while each of them completed their college degrees. They were married nearly 75 years. Although Mom and Dad were not much into parties or big social gatherings, their children honored them with two beautiful and memorable wedding anniversary celebratory events. Their 50th anniversary celebration took place at the Alamodome for close family and friends and their 60th at the Crystal Room at the historic San Francisco Steak house. The family will forever cherish the videos of these two special events.

Dad served in the United States Navy during WWII and continued serving in the US Naval Reserves through 1954. He was a dedicated father, provider, professional certified mechanic and held a variety of automotive positions at Ormsby Chevrolet, Mike Persia Chevrolet, Tom Benson Chevrolet, Smith Chevrolet, and retired from EG&G Automotive Research. Dad was extremely handy at maintaining, repairing, and building anything around the house. He was actively tinkering with projects, yard work, and was an avid gardener through his mid 90's. In his retirement, he kept himself busy with many home construction projects such as a green house, a covered screen room and a detached 2-car garage and workshop. He taught his children and those willing to learn how to repair or build anything. He enjoyed country & western music, 40's big band music, and mariachi music, and especially being serenated by his talented daughter Celeste who continues singing at weddings, funerals, and social gatherings. He enjoyed having family over for special events, especially Christmas Eve, where the family celebrated without fail nearly every year, except for the Covid years. Dad and mom were active parishioners of St. Ann's Catholic Church since 1953 and volunteered in many school and church activities. Dad was especially proud of their role as Eucharistic Ministers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. Dad also had a passion for sports and was an avid Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Spurs fan. He never missed a game. Perhaps this love of sports came from his playing baseball and pole vaulting with neighborhood kids while growing up on the south side of San Antonio. And while working for Tom Benson, he pitched and played 1st base for a men’s baseball recreational league.

Rudy is preceded in death by his wife of 74 years Mary Louise, son, Stephen E. Gomez; daughter-in-law, Barbara Gomez; sister, Mary Bertha Gomez Mena; father, Ambrosio S. Gomez; and mother, Concepcion Kondoff Gomez.

He is survived by his son, Rudy Gomez, Jr ; son, Thomas P. Gomez and wife Arlene; daughter, Celeste M. Ponce and husband Javier; daughter, Rebecca L. Gomez and life partner, Michael Juarez. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; sister, Bessie L. Gomez Wilkins, and 4 nieces and 1 nephew.

A celebration of life and Mass will be held Saturday November 08, 2025, 10 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 210 St. Ann's St., San Antonio, Texas 78201. A burial with military honor guard is planned for Monday November 10, 2025 9:30 am at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rudolph Gomez Sr.'s name may be made to the Rudy and Barbara Gomez Nursing Technology and Education Endowment: https://give.uthscsa.edu/campaigns/62374/donations/new?designation=a1SRo000001a5eoMAA&a=11330021 Or, checks may be sent to UT Health San Antonio Office of Institutional Advancement, Attn: Jamar Belizaire 7703 Floyd Curl Drive MC 7835, San Antonio, Texas 78229. This perpetual Endowment supports Nursing Education Technology and programs such as Training for Caregivers in the "Caring for the Caregiver" program at UT Health SA School of Nursing.

The family is sincerely grateful to the Caregiving Teams of WellMed Supportive and Palliative Care, Home Care Dimensions, Meals on Wheels, The Veterans Affairs Healthcare Team, AACOG, Visiting Angels, Legend Oaks Healthcare & Rehab West, Holy Savior Hospice and the numerous nurses, aids, social workers, physical therapists, chaplains, priests, and support staff for their care and support for Rudy Gomez Sr. over the last few years. We are blessed and grateful to family and friends who stepped up to volunteer their time to provide Rebecca Gomez relief from her 24/7 caregiving responsibilities. Finally, we are especially grateful to Rebecca Gomez for sacrificing so much to care for Dad and Mom over the last 5 years. We love you Becky!

Graveside Services for Rudolph Kondoff Gomez Sr.

Monday, November 10, 2025  Starts at 9:30 am (Central time) PAVILLION 3

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78209