Support Ismael “Izzy” Gomez's Family in Their Time of Need

Thank you so very much for showing interest in my GoFundMe for one of my closest kindhearted friends, Izzy Gomez. Here I will share his story.

On April 21st, 2024, I received terrible news that my friend Ismael Gomez passed away at the young age of 38. Father, Son, Iraq Veteran, and avid Surfer, Izzy will be greatly missed.

Izzy is survived by his wife Ximena, and 3 sons; Marx (17), José (13), and youngest Leon (10) who is diagnosed with being on the Autism Spectrum.

Ismael Gomez, son of Candida Gonzalez, spent a majority of his childhood in the Bronx with his brother Aneudis and sister Candy. He found a passion in reading books and studying history.

After the attacks on 9/11 , at the age of 18, Ismael enlisted in the army to defend his country. He toured Iraq in 11/28/2005 to 11/11/2006. He then immediately reenlisted and toured again in 12/06/2007 to 02/16/2009. While in service Ismael Gomez received various medals, which include : Commendation Medal (4th Award), ARMYAchievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, ARMY Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star (2nd Award).

After his career in the military Ismael Gomez was a 100% disabled veteran ( PTSD & TBI), but that did not stop him from pursuing a higher education. A strive for not only a Bachelors Degree, but also a Masters, landed Ismael a job as a substitute teacher. At this time, Ismael was already established with a home in Patchogue, New York, where he was a loving father and husband.

In 2017, Izzy and his family decided to relocate to Hawaii. He always found sanctuary in Maui, on the beach fishing and surfing . Through the next years, Ismael and his family traveled from Hawaii, to Venezuela, and Ecuador. In 2022, Izzy moved back to Maui, where he was unfortunately greatly affected by the wildfires. In October 2023, Izzy’s home in Lahaina was completely lost.

On April 21st, 2024, is when I received the terrible news that Izzy (my REAL friend, as he would say) was no longer with us. So I am here today not only to share his story and legacy, but also to raise funds for his family, as he was the sole provider. I appreciate your time and effort, and anything will help.

Respectfully,

Felix Cabaltica