By Nick Buglione
Gomez, who moved into East Meadow during the early 1960s and raised three children here with his wife, Josephine, became involved with the Little League around 1972, when his son Tom joined his first baseball team.
"He coached me all though Little League," his son, 39, said. "He was just very passionate about life and everything he did."
Soon after getting involved in the league, Gomez took up the position of league equipment manager, a largely thankless job he would hold for 31 years.
Back in those days, the East Meadow Little League, one of the largest on Long Island, wasn't hardly what it is today.
The league grappled with financial problems and was often on the brink of going under. It didn't make Gomez's job as equipment manager easy, as there was seldom any money to spare to replace old or missing gear.
"We were just starting out, and we would be one year behind on all our bills," said Dominic Tinnerello, an East Meadow Little League life member and friend. "He kept us floating in the years when we had no money, making sure that no equipment got lost."
Having worked as an airplane mechanic for TWA for over 40 years, Gomez worked well with his hands and spent much of his spare time fixing the league's tattered equipment.
If ever a glove needed to be restrung, a bat glued back together, or a helmet repaired, Gomez was there. "I remember during the winter, I would hear him banging away downstairs," his son Tom said. "He would be repairing all the stuff in the basement."
And though he dedicated such a large part of his life to ensure the vitality of the league, Gomez never expected any kudos -- that was just his personality.
"He was one of these guys who you never heard about, who never got his picture in the paper," said Clement Grieco, a fellow life member and close friend. "He was just a dedicated guy who was extremely humble."
Gomez's contributions didn't go completely unnoticed. In recognition of his dedication and hard work, the East Meadow Little League bestowed on him the title of life member, an honor that only a precious few hold. In order to become a life member, a person must log at least 10 years of outstanding service to the league and receive a two-thirds vote from the league's board to OK the honor.
Two years ago, Gomez was stricken with cancer, and when the East Meadow Little League celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2002, he was too sick to attend. His son said Gomez was deeply saddened that he couldn't make it out, but he made sure to have his picture published in the league's special anniversary journal.
Gomez finally succumbed to his illness on Monday, Oct. 6. He is survived by his wife, Josephine; his children, Tom, Robert and Laura, and five grandchildren.
His family has asked that in lieu of flowers, friends send donations to the East Meadow Little League, care of Dominic Tinnerello, 467 Von Elm Ave., East Meadow, NY, 11554.
The league plans to dedicate the equipment room at the Merrick Avenue ballfields in Gomez's honor. A plaque will be unveiled during a special ceremony next April, Tinnerello said, when the league kicks off its 52nd season.
