Jesse Gomez

Jesse was born on December 5, 1940, in the city of Placentia to parents, Domingo and Ana Maria Gomez. He grew up in what’s now called Old Town Placentia on Olive Street. He was the youngest of 12 Children. He attended primary school at Bradford Elementary and continued at the school district, graduating from Valencia High School, Class of 1959. He set his sights on higher education and enrolled and graduated from Fullerton Junior College in June 1962 focusing on Engineering – with a focus on Drafting.

Jesse enlisted in the US Army on November 21, 1963, stationed at Fort Detrick, in Maryland. He was awarded the Sharpshooter M14 Rifle Award and Good Conduct Medal 1st Award while enlisted. He earned an Honorable Discharge and separated from the military on October 31st, 1969.  

Following his time in the military, he shifted his focus back to college. Being the first in his family to graduate from a university, he earned his B.A. from California State University, Fullerton. He believed education is a key to opportunities and encouraged his large family to follow his lead.

His profession led him to multiple aerospace corporations. Throughout his career, he worked for Autonetics, Hughes Aircraft, and Boeing as a Financial Analyst. Many of his coworkers became life-long friends and a second family to him. He worked in the field for over 40 years, retiring in 2003. During his retirement years, It was common to find Jesse working on a new home improvement project each time you stopped by his house. He took pride in his handy work and continuously drafted out plans and lists for more projects. He was easy to spot around town driving his 1965 Volkswagen Beetle, which brought him years of enjoyment and adventure.

His love of learning and appreciation of the arts span across multiple facets including, US History and Politics, Chicano Art, nature, photography, music especially Jazz and Blues. He took pride in his Alma Maters: VHS Tigers and CSUF Titans! He enjoyed live music, for decades he attended the Monterey Jazz Festival, where he was a season seat holder. He created friendships at the festival that spanned the 4 decades he attended the annual event.

Jesse was a Philanthropist unbeknownst to some, he contributed to community services, educational institutions, nature preserves, and the arts on an annual basis. He believed in environmental conservation and causes that support future generations.

At 80 years old, surrounded by family Jesse passed peacefully on December 10th. He is survived by his brother, Robert “Morty” Gomez, and sisters, Pauline Arroyo and Irene Escarsega, and a large family of nieces and nephews. Jesse will be dearly missed amongst his family, co-workers, and life-long friends.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating in memory of Jesse Gomez to Valencia High School, to honor his legacy of community support and education in the city of Placentia. Checks made out to: Valencia High School and sent directly to 500 N. Bradford, Placentia CA 92870.

Mass will be private. Burial service January 9, 2021, 11:30 am Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.