Obituary of Jose Hugo Gomez

Jose Hugo Gomez, 62, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019.  He is preceded in death by his father, Jose Angel Gomez Sr and step-father, Oscar Cardoza, Sr.  Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Genoveva Cardoza; his loving wife of 44 years, Grasie Gomez; daughters, Nyssa Gonzalez and husband, Gustavo, Iliana Gomez, Jennifer Erin Palmer and husband, Jordan, Corina Lopez and husband, Michael; sisters, Cynthia Purnell and husband, Ernest, Melinda Bazan and husband, Peter, brother, Jose Angel Gomez Jr. and wife, Teresa; grandchildren, Jessica, Alessandra, Xophia, Mikey, Jude Hugo; and a host of other family and dear friends.

Hugo was born in Weslaco, Texas, and raised in Edcouch-Elsa.  He loved his family and was a devoted son and big brother.  He had a very special connection with his grandparents.  Being the oldest of his cousins, Hugo was held in high regard and was a positive role model to the entire family. He started playing music in the sixth grade and was playing with Tejano group Los Laytons by the time he was in ninth grade.  He was an exceptional musician first in saxophone then other instruments.  He played many genre’s including Tejano, Norteno, conjuntos, oldies, funk, rock and roll and jazz.  He went on to play with many bands throughout his life. He graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School, attended PanAm University and married the love of his life.  Married forty-four years, he made it a point to kiss Grasie each morning and every night.  He was the best husband, companion and provider that anyone could be blessed with.

Hugo and his small family relocated to Houston where he graduated from the University of Houston.  He worked for such companies as Gulf Resources, Texas Commerce Bank, Chase and Invesco.  He was a loyal employee in the Fund Accounting department at Invesco the last twenty years.  He made many good friends there and made lasting impressions on his colleagues.  Hugo was known as someone who would help everyone, including strangers.  He always put others before himself and never failed to stand up for the underdog. He had a beautiful soul and a smile that could light up a room. 

Hugo was the BEST dad to his four daughters.  He told the best corny dad jokes and they all learned at a young age not to ask him why the chicken crossed the road.  His answer would come as “Well, a long, long time ago…” and would go on for so long that they gave up on the joke.  He loved to joke with them and tease them lovingly.  He earned their respect and taught them how to laugh and see the bright side when they were going through a tough time.  His greatest joy was being “Papa” to his five grandkids.  Hugo was also like a father figure to them and would move Heaven and Earth to make them laugh and smile.  They would cling to his legs while he walked into a room.  They would climb their mountain of a Papa to touch the ceiling and do acrobatics off of him. He carried each one on his shoulders, after all, that was the best view wherever they were.  Hugo had a very special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews.  He loved them as if they were his own.  He had an even bigger spot in his heart for his great-nieces and nephews.  “Uncle Juju” always knew how to make them smile.  He always knew where to get the best tacos from Pearland to the Rio Grande Valley.  Tacos and a cold Coca Cola were his idea of the perfect meal.  When he traveled to see his Valley family, he had to have his burrito and Coke from his favorite spot every time. 

Anyone who ever came over for a barbecue knows that it would take Hugo all day and all night to cook a pack of chicken.  His family would tease that he should start the day before but It was always worth the wait.  We know we will see our daddy again someday but for now we will think of him as he would always tell us when we asked where he was going, “Going to see a man about a dog.” 

A visitation and rosary for Hugo will be held Thursday, May 30, 2019 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm with a Rosary recited at 7:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581.  The funeral mass will take place Friday, May 31, 2019 at 10:00 am at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, Texas 77581 with Father Jim Courville officiating.