Carlos A. Gomez Rojas

Carlos A. Gomez Rojas, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday October 6, 2021 at University Medical Center Hospital in Lubbock, Texas after a several weeks battle against COVID-19.

Carlos is survived by his wife, Luz M. “Lucy” De Jesus Rojas; his daughters, Reina Gomez and Rosa Gomez De Jesus; his sons-in-law, Edgar Benitez and Hector Contreras; and his grandchildren, Edgar David Benitez, Gabriella Marie Benitez, Isabel Contreras and Esteban Contreras.

Carlos was born in Caqueza, Colombia on January 22, 1941 to Simon Gomez and Carmen Rosa Rojas. At a very young age he worked at his father’s land while studying. He graduated as a teacher in Bogota, Colombia and then came to the United States as an immigrant with a student visa looking for a better opportunity. As he used to say “he came with 10 cents in his pocket and started working that same night”. He worked hard to get his college degree again here in the United States and became a teacher while working several jobs. Carlos loved to study and he for sure loved his books. He later obtained his Masters in Education and a Doctorate in Naturopathy.

Carlos married Lucy on August 29, 1974, and they just celebrated their 47 years together. They lived 13 years in New York State and then moved to Puerto Rico, where they spend 34 years together. This is where they raised their two daughters, in a 26 acres land that they called “finca”. This is also where with hard work and effort, their daughters became a Navy pharmacist and a doctor. On January of this year they moved to Lubbock, Texas to be closer to their family. He was able to share and enjoy his grandchildren during these months.

During his years in New York, Carlos was ordained as an Orthodox priest, but later joined the Catholic community. He was an active member of the chapel “Nuestra Senora de la Merced” in Toita, Cayey, Puerto Rico until he moved to Lubbock and started to attend St. Theresa Catholic Church. He was stubborn, but his heart was noble and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

The family will be receiving guests at the funeral home on Monday, October 11, 2021 from 6pm-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm. Service will continue on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 with a 10am Funeral Mass of Resurrection at St. Theresa Catholic Church.

For online tributes and shared memories please visit the online guest book.