It is with great sadness that the Gomez family announces the passing of Sabas 'Sal' Gomez, 74, of Rockford on March 15, 2025. Born April 28, 1950 in Ogallala, NE; son of Sabas and Eliza (Cuellar) Gomez. Graduate of Asherton High School, in Asherton, TX class of 1969. United in marriage to Susan Burch on January 21, 1995. Sal dedicated 37 years of his life to serving the community as a Firefighter and Driver/Engineer for the City of Rockford; embodying bravery, dedication and selflessness throughout his career. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Sal retired in 2014 from the City of Rockford Fire Department. He was a member of the Rockford Fire Department Color Guard, and the Illinois Association of Fire Fighters. In addition to his position at the fire department, he was a flight medic for OSF Lifeline Helicopter Company for 10 years. Sal was loved and respected by all who knew him personally and professionally. He was devoted to his family, and was always the one that they reached out to because he could fix anything. Survived by his wife, Susan; children, Yvonne (Guadalupe) Pedroza, Juan (Summer) Gomez, Mark (Amber) Gomez, Immacula Gomez, Laura (Nathan Speck) Gomez; grandchildren, Ysena, Eric, Selena, Gianna (Matthew Vega), Fabian, Asher, Siriana, Kyler, Peyton, Josslyn Gomez and Scarlett Speck; great-grandchildren, Jaylen, Yazlene, Santino, Gianni, Mateo; sister, Maria Smith; special nieces and nephews, Marivel Gonzalez, Julian Gonzalez, Eliza (Robert) Guerrero, AJ Gonlalez Cassandra Salazar, JJ Salazar, Michael Salazar, David Salazar; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; mother-in-law, Betty (Steve) Marschang, father-in-law, James (Anne) Burch, sister-in-law, Sheri (Jason) Schwartz; nieces and nephews, Shelby (Drew) Misfeldt, Skyler (Brittany) Adams, Sydney Schwartz, Sawyer Schwartz; his coworkers and friends at the Rockford Fire Department as well as a circle of friends and family near and far. Preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Denver Smith. Visitation on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 2 pm to 3:45 p.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford, followed by a celebration of Sal's life at 4 p.m. Fr. William Wentink will officiate. Live steam of the service can be viewed here https://my.gather.app/remember/sabas-sal-gomez . Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Sal's family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .