Vincent Michael Gomez was a true native New Yorker, born and educated in the New York Catholic parochial system as the first of two children of the late Irene (Taylor) Gomez and Vincente Gomez. Always inquisitive, witty, and blessed with an easy smile and kind heart, Vincent's early years were shaped by observing life on streets of Harlem and the Bronx, influences that would forever manifest through his love of theater, boxing, exotic foods, different cultures, and (most of all) music…especially that of the jazz greats. He excelled in school (especially in history and various sciences) and began his entrepreneurship early, constantly looking for creative ways to help with household expenses and chores…and maybe get a little extra for candy for his always present little brother and himself. After high school and his enlistment in the United States Air Force, the recent honorably discharged Vincent Gomez met and immediately surrendered his heart to Catherine Hall, a young, brilliant and beautiful nursing student from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Subsequently, he and his wife lived and grew their family to a total of six in Brooklyn, NY before deciding to move to Catherine's original hometown in the south where they continued to emphasize God, character, and education as the keys to success for their children and others they helped along the way. After becoming "empty nesters", Vincent and Catherine relocated to North Carolina, ultimately moving to Charlotte and becoming members of the Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church.

Over the years, Vincent's various jobs seemed to always tap into one or more of his multiple skills or broad array of interests, and Vincent sought to consistently reward the trust others placed in him by giving his all and looking his best. Vincent took pride in every job he held and was known for being as meticulous in his personal appearance as he was in the performance of any task or detail. And his commitment to continuous growth served him equally well while serving as a Locomotive Firemen for many years on the Long Island Railroad, as it did when he decided to culminate his career years later by coming out of retirement to attended High Point University and subsequently serve as a certified Youth Counselor in the state of North Carolina.

Upon retiring in 2000, Vincent (or "Poppy" as he became known by his adoring grandchildren), shifted his time and attention to enjoying his expanded family, and to "tinkering" or enjoying one of his life-long hobbies (fishing, gardening, and photography). Vincent continued to enjoy his well-deserved reputation for being equally as adept with his hands as with his head, until such time that his body could no longer adequately respond. But, neither the gifts of head nor hands could ever quite compare with the capacity of his heart, as being in Vincent's presence, even for a little while, was almost guaranteed to leave one enthused, enriched, enlightened, or in stiches with laughter.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Catherine Hall Gomez; his sons Dr. Michael E. Gomez (Steven Armistead), Don Gomez (Bridgette); his daughters Lt Col (ret) Cassandra Gomez Caver (Keith), Natasha Gomez Louder (Darryl); seven grandchildren, Keith Caver II, Bianca McClure (Edwin), Maegan Gomez, Kendall Caver, Keenan Caver, Camryn Louder, and Macyn Louder; four great-grandchildren, Dante Caver, Chase Caver, Poppy Gomez, and Levi McClure; a brother, Pedro Gomez (Patricia); an uncle, James Taylor, III (Veronie); a sister-in-law, Dr. Nora Hall (Karen Gray); brothers-in-law, Frederick Hall Hudson, C.J. Chatman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Funeral mass will be held at 12:00noon Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC. Interment will be held at 11:00am Friday, July 29, 2016 in Salisbury National Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Thursday at the Church.