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JUST IN: Cornerstone Craftsman founder Roberto Gomez dies

By James Cullum
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Alexandria nonprofit leader Roberto Gomez died today (Nov. 10), his organization announced on social media. He was 39 years old.

Gomez founded Cornerstone Craftsman in 2021, teaching trade education to Alexandria youth and winning accolades in the process. His sudden death was announced by the Cornerstone Craftsman Board of Directors, and the cause of death has not been released.

“Roberto was Cornerstone,” the board said. “He was its heart, its soul, and its driving force. His unwavering belief in young people, his commitment to creating opportunities, and his dedication to helping others build brighter futures defined everything Cornerstone stands for.”

In September, Gov. Abigail Spanberger toured the Cornerstone office on Eisenhower Avenue.

“I was incredibly impressed by [Cornerstone] before I had a chance to actually see it, and we’ve got some people here from our Secretariat of Labor, so we will be diving in deep,” Spanberger said after the tour.

The board said in its message that Cornerstone was Gomez’s life’s work.

“He saw potential where others saw obstacles, offered encouragement when it was needed most, and believed deeply that every young person deserved a chance to succeed,” the board wrote. “Roberto didn’t just change lives. He helped shape futures. His legacy lives on in the countless young people he mentored, the relationships he built, and the community he brought together.”

Gomez was born in Concord, Mass. and moved to the Alexandria area of Fairfax County when he was 15. He said his then-stepfather was abusive, leading him to move away from home. He was expelled from Mount Vernon High School for fighting and received his GED at 16.

He spent the next 15 years learning trades and working construction before founding Even Scale, a home remodeling company.

Last year, he and his team were presented with the Rising Star award at The Chamber ALX’s Best in Business awards. He also ran in the Democratic primary for an open seat on the Alexandria City Council earlier this year.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

About the Author

  • James Cullum

    Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.