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BORN
1925
DIED
2016
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Donaciano Gomez Obituary
"Don" Gomez
1925-2016
The Houston music scene lost a true giant when Donaciano R. "Don" Gomez passed away in hospice care at the age of 91 after a brief illness.
For nearly five decades, Don was one of the most active, best-known, and well-liked concert bookers, promoters, and artist managers in the region. He is perhaps best known for his tenure as the owner/manager of the fabled Rockefeller's nightclub from 1980-1994, and had previously owned a talent agency. In more recent years, he lined up performers for venues as diverse as the Sam Houston Race Park, Mo's Place in Katy, the Texas Crawfish Festival, and Mardi Gras in Galveston with his company, Big Productions.
Don was inducted into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition of his many contributions. Over the years, he worked with a staggering number of artists from Chuck Berry, Janis Joplin, Grand Funk Railroad, to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, and Clint Black. He forged more personal friendships with blues legend B.B. King and jazz singer, Diane Schuur.
Don Gomez was born on January 10, 1925 in Galveston, Texas to Donaciano Gomez, Sr. and Maria Ramos and served in the U.S. Air Force in the '40s and '50s. He never married, and has no children, and outlived all eight of his siblings but he is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Don was an avid "health nut" who, even after his 90th birthday, would regularly spend three hours a day walking "laps" (3 miles) inside the Galleria during inclement weather.
Don's joyful (and sometimes cutting) sense of humor, warmth, and fairness to artists, employees, and business partners will long be remembered, and his sharp, infectious laugh is an audio file that those who knew him will mentally replay forever.
The thrill of Don Gomez may be gone but his memory will last forever in the Houston music community.
A viewing and visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Joseph J. Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott St.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Covenant Church, 4949 Caroline St. Interment with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Houston National Cemetery.
For more information, please visit josephjearthman.com or Don's Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011057350819.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donaciano Gomez
Sponsored by Joseph Earthman Generations.
Andrew "Andy" Zotos
June 19, 2018
When filling out this form, it asked my relationship to Don. That's a very difficult question to answer. Don was my employer way back in the late 80's and early 90's. However, after leaving Houston, and over the past 25 years, Don kept in touch with me regularly - to the point that I used to get worried if we didn't talk every 2 weeks.
Don always asked about my family, and he became that "cool" uncle - (with absolutely no internal filter). He always was happy to see me when I was in town, and always made time for lunch (as long as I was buying).
I wish that I could say something poignant. I wish that I could say something moving. I can only say that I miss him dearly. I miss him calling me. I miss calling him, and I wish he was still here. I truly miss you "old man" - or as you liked to think of yourself - the "eternal teenager".
John E Macrini Sr.
June 24, 2016
Thanks for all you did for me and my buds in booking us when we were aspiring Musicians. You got us many great gigs on the Beach in Galveston and at the Moody Center and opening for many great groups. Rest in Peace Don.
John E. Macrini Daydreamers / page fiVe / Southern
Gaylan Latimer
June 23, 2016
Don, through it all your smile was contagious. Your heart was not contained, but always giving. Your genuine caring and concern for others was an example for us all. You were a mentor and a maker of forever friends. For those of us fortunate enough to have known you, our lives have been truly blessed. "Game, set, match," Don Gomez .
Mary Maldonado
June 21, 2016
You did it your way-God Bless.
From your niece and her troops.
JJ
June 21, 2016
Very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories of Don help the family and friends to carry on. And may God comfort you.
Jean McLean
June 21, 2016
Mr.Gomez was one of the kindest person I have ever met .Always smiling and pleasant .He had a post office box in the galleria .I was a clerk there ,thus our friendship began .We clicked from the first time we met , over 20 years ago .Rest well my friend .Thanks for all you did .
"Mr Jess"
June 21, 2016
A Good friend suggested that I should write you a note or send you a e-mail so you would have to read. Well I couldn't think of anything to say that would make you feel "Mo Betta!" So I paid you a visit instead, well you laughed, you smiled, we talked, you scolded me(?) don't know for what... probably for not letting Andy park in front I don't know, all I know is that I had a good visit with you. Then you said "Its time to go!" Well I got up and said my goodbyes and headed towards the door...and I thought for a second "Hey that's my line!" another thought come up and I smiled - I'm being thrown out by the best! Rest-In-Peace Don...and I'll see you when I see you my Friend!
Joe Baiardi/ The Fab 5
June 21, 2016
Thank you for taking a chance in booking a "Tribute Band" in the early days of THE FAB 5. We had some great times and lots of laughs. You will never be forgotten. We'll miss you Don.
Kathy Cruse
June 21, 2016
Bye Bye Uncle Don.
June 21, 2016
My thoughts are with the family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. Ps. 9:9,10
Robert B. McEntire
June 20, 2016
I've been running Don Gomez stories in my mind since I heard the news. There are so many stories! Met Don in 1966 through the Countdown Five. I was a motor mouth on KILT Radio/The Big 610 and we often called on the CD5 for station promotions and concerts. Never had a cross word with Don, and the good times were many. Don occasionally tabbed me "fill in road manager" for out of town trips, and again, the good times were many. The 5 and Don were at my apartment one night where there was no mixer for vodka. Don mixed it with cherry Kool Aid and we never let him forget it. Being a drummer in a previous life, Don often used me for end of year parties. He allowed me the best of both worlds, talking on the radio, and banging on the drums. I'll carry his 'cat ate the canary' grin in my mind forever. Don, I miss you brother.
Robert B. McEntire
Texas Radio Hall of Fame, charter year inductee
Michael Hébert
June 20, 2016
Thanks for everything Don. I'll never forget what you did for me.
John Bonno, The Sixpentz / Fun & Games
June 20, 2016
We had great times and lots of laughs. We'll miss you, Don
Dianna Kay (Cruse) DiMare
June 20, 2016
With Much Love & Sympathy.....Don & I had so much fun on Clint Black's First Country Video
Richard Nemeth
June 20, 2016
I'll be forever grateful for the opportunities and friendship you gave me, Don. You will not be forgotten. Richard Nemeth, Countdown 5
Janie Perez
June 19, 2016
Uncle Don, you were loved....
Monica Domingue
June 19, 2016
I'M SORRY, DON. I LOVE YOU *
John Balzer
June 18, 2016
I'll never forget you, Don.
John Balzer, Countdown 5
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