Philip Gomez Obituary

Gomez, Philip Anthony, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Beloved husband of the late Lida Esperanza (nee Betran) Gomez; dear former husband of Marta (nee Miranda Graterole) Gomez; loving father of Dr. Philip Gabriel (Kacie) Gomez; devoted grandfather of Mason Gomez, Kelcie Gomez, and Samuel Gomez; dear stepfather of Edwin (Shannon Katherine) Hernandez, Hans (Mayil) Hernandez, and Nicole Hernandez; dear step grandfather of Samantha, Nicholas, Katherine, and Adrian; precious son of the late Cesar and Marie Gomez; cherished brother of Ellen (John Ellis) Gomez DeFilippo, Karen (Don) Walker, Loren Gomez, and Dr. Carlen (Kirk) Fifer; caring uncle of seven nieces and nephews, cousin, and friend to so many.

Phil was born in St. Louis, graduated from St. Louis Country Day School, and received his degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Phil worked as a freelance architect, creating innovative buildings and spaces enjoyed by many, and as a brilliant and gifted musician and composer, gracing the world and touching many hearts with his rare talent.

Phil was the only brother to four sisters who all affectionately refer to themselves as the "Sibsters." Those who know them know that they have always remained extremely close and his passing leaves an empty space in their hearts for their beloved brother. Phil was a loving father who graciously provided for his only son, Gabe, helping him to receive the best education and support throughout his life. As a beloved uncle and grandfather, Uncle Phil shared his clever sense of humor, his playfulness, and his extraordinary musical and architectural talents with his son, his sisters, their children, his grandsons, and all of his family in the most positive way. He took great pride in his family's accomplishments.

Phil was an active and influential musician in St. Louis for decades. Phil was a founder of local fusion jazz group, From This Moment On, and performed with many bands over the years, including The Ralph Butler Band, Brazilian group Samba Bom and his own Latin jazz and salsa group, Clave Sol. Most recently he was a member of local band The Deal and in 2023 served as the band leader for Shakespeare in the Park's production of Twelfth Night. He was loved by the many musicians he played with for over six decades.

Phil was the musical center of family gatherings, playing piano where all would join in, playing Peanuts at every Christmas and composing beautiful music to accompany his family's weddings, funerals, and other important life events. He brought humor, a caring and lighthearted outlook to life and always made us laugh. 

"I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of a man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time." - Jack London

Memorial: Celebration of Life at Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust Street, St. Louis, 63103, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Memorial program begins at 2:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Phil's honor to Jazz St. Louis. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.