Tributes

Adolfo Gomez Puertas was born to Ricardo Mendoza Puertas and Carolina Gomez Arizmendi in Mexico City, Mexico on May 23, 1939. He passed away suddenly on July 15, 2016 at the age of 77. At a young age, Adolfo was a dedicated working man. Soon he met the love of his life in what would be described as a traditional Mexican courting. After asking for his brides hand in marriage with the blessing of her parents, Adolfo married Esther Maldonado. Continuing his hard work ethic, Adolfo opened his own business, A & P Autobody where he enjoyed assisting his clients. Later in life, Adolfo developed his love for Christ and served his Lord and Savior in various capacities. His words were, "My Lord first and then my priorities." He truly lived by those words with his dedication of serving as a sacristan for St. John's Cathedral for 29 years. He served Rev. Msgr. John Esquivel, Rev. Msgr. Walter Minhoto, the late Rev. Msgr. Raul Sanchez, Rev. Msgr. John Coehlo-Harguindeguy and most recently, Rev. Sal Gonzalez. He also enjoyed being active in several ministries such as the detention ministry in which he ministered to the those incarcerated. He was also a faithful acolyte at all the 9:00 a.m. funeral masses that were celebrated at the Cathedral. Amidst all this, he served as a eucharistic minister, minister to the sick, and belonged to the adoracion nocturna. With what little spare time he had, Adolfo enjoyed rooting for his New England Patriots and his favorite soccer team, Barcelona along with his all time favorite player, Leonel Messi. He also had a passion for collecting coins. A man of all trades, his genuineness will greatly be missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Richard G. Puertas. Adolfo is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Esther M. Puertas; his children Richard Puertas and his wife Rachel of Fresno, Carmen McIntyre and her husband Brett of Clovis, and Adolfo Puertas Jr. and his wife Betsy of Fresno. He also leaves his grandchildren, Gregory Gerhardt, Joshua Puertas, Angela Gerhardt, Chloe Puertas, Nico Puertas, Julia Puertas, Johnny Reynoso and Regina Davalos; his great grandchildren, Kyrie Gerhardt, Julian Gerhardt, Nevaeh Davalos and William Davalos and his siblings Eduardo Puertas and Claudia Puertas and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. Visitation will be held at St. John's Cathedral on Monday, July 25, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A vigil service will be led by his friend and confidant, Sister Rosalie Rohr, at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will celebrated at St. John's Cathedral on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. A committal service will take place at St. Peter's Cemetery on Tuesday, July 27, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

Tributes

Adolfo Gomez Puertas

May 23, 1939 - July 15, 2016