Leopoldo Gomez

Obituary for Leopoldo (Leo) Luis Gomez

Monsignor Leopoldo Luis Gomez, 88, of Dulce, New Mexico, passed away on peacefully in his sleep on November 26, 2024.

Reverend Monsignor Leo Gomez was born August 12, 1936 in Dulce New Mexico to Jose Eugenio Gomez and Lena Duran de Lopez.

Monsignor Gomez was raised in Dulce, New Mexico, and educated by the Fransiscan Priests and Nuns in Lumberton

One of eight children: three sisters - Lorrine, Lucille, and Rafaelita and four brothers: Manuel, Mauricio, Isaac, and Jose, of whom three Lorrine, Mauricio and Jose are still living at the time of his death.

Monsignor Leo Gomez entered Immaculate Heart of Mary Minor Seminary in Santa Fe on September 14, 1954; in 1957 he was transferred to Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri, where he completed his philosophical and theological studies, receiving his BS in philosophy and his S.T.B. in Theology.

On May 23, 1963, he was ordained priest of the Diocese of Gallup at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup, New Mexico by Bishop Bernard P. Espelage, O.F.M..

During his priestly life Monsignor Gomez served as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Church, Winslow Arizona, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Flagstaff, Arizona, and St. Mary's Church, Kingman, Arizona. He also served as Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Page, Arizona, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holbrook, Arizona, and St. Peters, Springerville, Arizona.

In July of 1970, Bishop Hastrich named him as Vice-chancellor of the Diocese of Gallup and Rector of Cristo Rey Seminary.

On December 12, 1972 Father Leo Gomez was named Domestic Prelate by Pope Paul VI.

Leo was installed as Monsignor in 1973.

In 1975, he was named Vocational Director of the Diocese.

January 2, 1984 he was appointed Rector of the Cathedral.

March 22, 1990, he was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese

July 1998 through August 2006 Pastor St. Mary's Farmington,

Retired August 2006.

Items of special interest - Monsignor Gomez was able to meet and take care of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen during his visit to the Diocese of Gallup. He was also able to perform these services for Mother Teresa of Calcutta during her visit to the Gallup Diocese.

He also did missionary work in Mexico and El Salvador.

Priest, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, Leo was always available to perform Weddings and Baptisms for us whenever called upon. He will be greatly missed by all.

Leo touched so many with his kindness and compassion.

God Called, Leo answered.

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