Ralph Gomma

1931 - 2010

RALPH JAMES GOMMA (also fondly known as, Dad, Papa and Ralphie) 79, of Riverside, passed away from complications due to pneumonia on December 18, 2010 in Riverside, CA. Ralph was born in Los Angeles, CA on June 26, 1931 the only child of James and Elsa Gomma, who were of German descent. During his youth, the family relocated to San Bernardino, CA where he was actively involved in sports and graduated from San Bernardino High School. After high school, Ralph went on to attend the University of California, Davis where he graduated with a Bachelor\'s Degree in Agriculture. He was also enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in the Korean War for 2 years. Ralph married Carol Soto in Sacramento, CA and relocated to Riverside where they adopted their children, Erica and Kurt. At that time, Ralph was the co-owner of Farmer Joe\'s Barbeque in Riverside where he spent many years developing valued friendships, community ties and mouth-watering meals. During these years he was the president of the Riverside Jaycees. He eventually sold Farmer Joe\'s Barbeque and transitioned into real estate where he remained until he retired this year. Ralph remarried Lucille "Lou" Shook, who preceded him in death, but brought her own two children, Tom and Maryann, into Ralph\'s life. The 20 plus years they spent together gave shape to a large extended family. Through his involvement in the Jaycees and the Exchange Club of Magnolia Center, Ralph established many close relationships by which his life was enriched. Ralph enjoyed long term relationships with many of his fraternity brothers from UC Davis and recently attended a 50 year reunion. Ralph is survived by his children, Erica Gomma, Kurt Gomma and wife, Esther; Tom M. Shook, Maryann Kroh and husband, Steve; grandchildren Alyssa Castillo and husband, Javier; Brandon Gomma; Matthew Gomma; Thomas R. Shook and wife, Katie; Jenny Shook, Katie Shook, Julia Kroh and Michael Kroh; great-grandchildren, Cody, Savanna, Alex and Tatum and his loving daschund, Heidi. A memorial service will be held on January, 5th 2011, at 11:00am at the Pierce Bros. Crestlawn Mortuary, 11500 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92505 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Exchange Club of Magnolia Center Memorial Fund, c/o Norm Cole, P.O. Box 2446, Riverside, CA 92516