Kent Gomez's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Kent "Kenny" Gomez (Tsapogas)
August 14, 1947 – June 12, 2025
Kent Gomez, a cherished father, partner, and legendary figure in Latin music, passed away on June 12, 2025, at the age of 77. Born in New York City, Kenny was a gifted pianist, composer, recording artist, and writer whose talent and dedication left an indelible mark on the golden era of salsa music.
As a key contributor to the Latin Salsa explosion of the 1970s in Spanish Harlem (El Barrio), Kenny worked alongside the genre's most iconic figures, helping to shape a sound that would resonate across generations and continents. His music was his language, and through it, he told stories of love, struggle, culture, and joy.
Beyond the spotlight, Kenny was a man of simple pleasures. He found peace in casting a fishing line and watching the sun dip low over the waters of the Florida Keys. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby—it was his sanctuary.
Kenny took great pride in his family. He is survived by his sister Sonia Gomez, his children: Kent Gomez Jr. (Minerva), Melanie Gomez-Murphy (Kevin), Sonya Gomez, Regina Gomez, and Alex Alvarez; his granddaughters, Genesis, Alyssa, Natasha, and Gianni. Kenny will always be remembered with love by his longtime partner, Zoe Alvarez, who remained by his side through the years with unwavering care and devotion.
Kenny’s spirit lives on in the music he created the lives he touched, and the family he adored.
For Kenny’s family, friends, and musical family~
His final gig will be held at:
Memorial Plan San Jose
250 E 4th Avenue
Hialeah, FL 33010
Sunday, June 22, 2025
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
We welcome all who loved him, played with him, and were moved by his music to come share memories, music, and love as we celebrate his life.
What’s your fondest memory of Kent?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kent?
Share a story where Kent's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kent you’ll never forget.
How did Kent make you smile?