Carmelo Gomez, age 89 of Portage, IN, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.  Carmelo was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico to Victoriano Gomez and Rita Torres and he retired from Inland Steel after 34 years of service.  He was a big baseball fan and always went out of his way to help his family.

Carmelo is survived by his adoring wife, Rosa Gomez nee Mosqueda. He is also survived by 6 children: Adeline (Carlos Jr.) Escabalzeta, George (Karen) Gomez, Carmelo (Joy) Gomez, Jr., Rose (Arnold) Alaniz, Lydia (Francisco) Ayala, Theresa (Nestor) Singh and daughter-in-law Maria "Terry" Gomez; brother, Antonio Gomez and sister Maria "Nena" Hernandez; and 24 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by sons, Albert and Victor Gomez.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Carmelo will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2018 beginning with 9:15 am prayers at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN 46368 then proceeding to Nativity of our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd., Portage for a 10:00 am Mass with Rev. Roque Meraz officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, Portage. Friends may gather with the family on Monday, April 9, 2018 from 2-8 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. For more information, please call 219-762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.   "Other things may change us, but we start and end with family."