Rolando Barbosa Gomez

BROWNSVILLE, TX. - Rolando Barbosa Gomez, 73, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, the 31st of July 2026, at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville.

Rolando was born on May 10, 1953, in Brownsville, Texas, son of the late Jesus Francisco Gomez and Maria Guadalupe Barbosa Gomez. A lifelong Brownsville resident, he graduated from Brownsville High School with the Class of 1973.

Dedicated to serving his country, Rolando enlisted in the United States National Guard in 1971 while still attending high school, attaining the rank of Private E-2. On June 26, 1974, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served with the 17th Cavalry, 6th Air Cavalry Combat Brigade as an Air Combat Mechanic. He was honorably discharged on June 25, 1977, having achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5).

Following his military service, Rolando worked for the United States Department of Agriculture until 1978. He then began a distinguished career with the United States Department of Justice as an Immigration Detention Enforcement Officer, eventually serving as a Deportation Supervisor. After 25 years of dedicated federal service, he retired in May 2003.

On the personal side of his life, Rolando was devoted to his family and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. He shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sylvia Martinez Gomez. Together they built a loving family that was the center of his life. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his sons, Rolando Gomez Jr. (Holli) and Raul Jesus Gomez (Laura); and by his cherished grandchildren, Liliana Gomez, Jackson Riley Gomez, and Nicolas Raul Gomez, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Rolando was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus Francisco Gomez and Maria Guadalupe Barbosa Gomez.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. A proud veteran throughout his life, Rolando was a dedicated member of American Legion John Hanson Post 43 for more than 50 years. He will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his service to his country and community, and the kindness and strength that defined his life.

Rolando’s legacy of honor, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, the 6th of August 2026 between the hours of three o'clock in the afternoon and eight o'clock at night, with the recitation of the holy rosary to be recited at seven o'clock Thursday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at nine o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 7th of August 2026 at the historic Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1218 E. Jefferson Street, Brownsville. Interment with military honors will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville.

Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Jesse Alatorre, Adrian Alatorre, Calixtro Suarez, Jr., Cesar Suarez, Raul Alatorre, Jr., Pablo Leal, Jr., Leo Garza, Raul Martinez, Jr., Ruben Gallegos, Jr., and Rolando Cavazos. Honorary pallbearers are Liliana Gomez, Jackson Riley Gomez, and Nicolas Raul Gomez.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Valley Regional Medical Center ER and PCU unit, especially nurses Anthony, Sam, Kat, Claudia, Josh, Dalia, Rosie, Irene, and Memo. We are extremely thankful for the love and compassion that they showed our father while in their care. We would also like to thank Mrs. Olivia Chapa for the many years of friendship and love that she gave to our family, especially to our late father. 

Memories of Rolando may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey, CFSP and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.