Manuel Gomez Valdez

Manuel Valdez Gomez, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 13, 2023. Manuel, one of eight children, was born in Districto Federal, Mexico. He came to the United States at the age of 24, where he later met Celia Guzman in San Diego, CA, they married and started their family in Los Angeles, CA, then finally settled in the Central Valley (Ivanhoe). He is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Gomez Mejia and Luz Valdez Torres, and his siblings, Celia, Jorge, Esperanza, Esther and Gabriel. Manuel is lovingly remembered by his wife, Celia Gomez of 57 years and his children, son Manuel Gomez, daughter Luz Gomez Thatcher (Tod) and granddaughter Ava, daughter Isela Gomez Garcia (Johnny) and grandson Johnny, granddaughter Breanna, son Ruben Gomez, son Ernesto Gomez (Carmen) and granddaughters Angelica, Ariana, Alexa, Isabella, grandsons Esteban and Fabian, daughter Esther Fernandez-Gomez (Michael) and grandson Maurice, granddaughter Emily. Manuel will also be remembered by his sisters, Ofelia and Virginia. Manuel began his internship as a foundry worker at the early age of 14, under the guidance of his father. He excelled and continued to make progress in that field of employment for nine years. He carried on that trade across the border from Mexico City to the city of Los Angeles working in metals for 16 years. Once in the Central Valley he was employed by the Visalia Unified School District where he worked as a custodian at Crowley Elementary School for 20 years. Manuel was an incredibly generous man who had a smile for everyone, and always made time for his family. His passion was spending time in his garden, planting and reinventing the landscape. He loved listening to his varied collections of music, to which he often sang along. Manuel will be greatly missed, his love will continue to live in our hearts, "con un abrazo rompe-huesos." Tu querida familia. Visitation will be held 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Prayer Service will follow from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Manuel Gomez Valdez

March 16, 1937 - February 13, 2023