Hundreds attended a candlelight vigil for Cornerstone Craftsman founder and executive director Roberto Gomez, who died suddenly on Tuesday (Nov. 10).
The vigil was held Thursday evening outside Cornerstone Craftsman’s headquarters. A memorial service for Gomez will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 15), at the Oswald Durant Center at(1605 Cameron Street). Gomez leaves behind his young family, as well as the nonprofit’s 21 teen apprentices. A GoFundMe to support his 1-year-old son and partner has so far raised more than $14,000.
Addy Shorter knew Gomez for five years and graduated from Alexandria City High School (ACHS) and the Cornerstone program in 2025. Shorter said he needed Gomez’s help’s now working to be an electrician, and needed Gomez’s direction.
“Roberto was a big guy with a big soul,” Shorter told ALXnow. “He changed my life, you know? He was like an older brother to me.”
SEE: Alexandria nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman builds new futures by teaching trades
Cornerstone’s board of directors announced Gomez’s death on social media.
“Roberto was Cornerstone,” the board wrote. “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.”
One Cornerstone Craftsman board member said that it will be a challenge figuring out the nonprofit’s next steps.
ACHS junior Erick Lazo has been a Cornerstone apprentice for a year and wants the program to continue.
“Roberto wouldn’t have wanted to teach us everything just to feel we couldn’t move forward because he’s not here,” Lazo said. “All of his teachings were to prepare us to eventually leave him, to eventually go on. So, we can’t just let his name go in vain. He would want us to succeed. We cannot just let this go, we have to become greater.”
Alexandria remembers Roberto Gomez
An outpouring of messages from Alexandria’s leaders, its nonprofit community and residents has followed Gomez’s death.
“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Roberto Gomez. He made a real difference in the lives of young Alexandrians by expanding access to trade education, and his impact will continue to elevate our community for years to come.” — U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8)
“I can’t tell you the number of evictions we showed up to. How many times we had to help kids pack their stuff. How many situations kids were dealing with where he was their first call. He would be at court. He would be at doctors appointments. He would be at graduation. Then, after every situation, he would call me and we would talk for hours about how broken some of these systems are and how we would change them.” — Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins
“Roberto’s work in the community and legacy will live on through the numerous lives he impacted. And his friendship will never be forgotten.” — Del. Garrett McGuire (D-17)
“Roberto gave much of his time to improving the City of Alexandria, including serving on the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Community Advisory Board. During his time on the board, Roberto demonstrated his commitment to strengthening relationships between our Office and the community we serve. He helped to educate community members about the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, worked to support community member reentry programs, and fostered better connections between law enforcement and community members. We are grateful for his service, thoughtful contributions, partnership, and dedication to making Alexandria a better place.” — Sheriff Sean Casey, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Community Advisory Board
“Our community has lost an incredible light, but the impact of Roberto’s generosity, mentorship, and work will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched.” — The Chamber ALX
“From the moment he opened his mouth, it was clear to me that Roberto was an agent for transformative change. I couldn’t join Cornerstone fast enough, to be a part of the proliferate impact that was Roberto’s vision. My blessings were multiplied when I got to know the mentees of Cornerstone, a couple of them my former students, eager to continue to learn and develop new skills from the opportunity that Cornerstone and Roberto provided them.” — David Paladin-Fernandez
“This has been a difficult couple of days and the young people in the program are just remarkable. Our students want to continue their work and we all know that is exactly what Roberto would want– to ensure they receive the support, education, and training that he so ably provided day in and day out. More to come in the days and weeks ahead on what our students and Cornerstone will need moving forward — it will take a village to continue this work and we will need you.” — Clark Mercer, Cornerstone board member
“As founder and executive director of Cornerstone Craftsman, Roberto showed unmatched commitment to creating opportunity for Alexandria’s young people. His work earned praise throughout the city and beyond. Governor Spanberger recently toured Cornerstone and said afterward she was “incredibly impressed” by the nonprofit’s work. Roberto showed his commitment to public service when he ran in the Democratic primary for an open city council seat earlier this year. His death is a loss for our community. So many of us in the ADC called Roberto a friend; he will be sorely missed.” — The Alexandria Democratic Committee
“Words cannot fully express the immense light Roberto brought to Alexandria. His kindness and unwavering belief in others touched so many lives. Through Cornerstone Craftsman, he did more than teach young people a trade. He saved lives. Early in his journey to opening Cornerstone Craftsman, we had the honor of sharing Roberto’s story. Today, we share it again in his memory. He was a force to be reckoned with and a testament to the extraordinary difference one person can make: https://bit.ly/4eQ2Eov.” — Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
“We lost a good one, Alexandria. No day is promised, but especially devastating when his life and leadership in Alexandria just seemed to be beginning.” — former Alexandria Vice Mayor Amy Jackson
“Like so many in our community, I am shocked and heartbroken by Roberto’s passing. Alexandria has lost a wonderful community member and a frient to so many.” — City Councilman Abdel Elnoubi
“I was shocked and saddened to learn of Roberto Gomez’s sudden passing at such a young age. My condolences to Roberto’s family, friends, and loved ones. I hope that all the youth he has mentored over the years can find strength with each other knowing that they proudly carry his legacy.” — City Councilman Canek Aguirre
“Roberto, thank you for everything you have done for our community. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.” — West End Business Association
“So heartbreaking and devastating to hear the tragic news about Roberto Gomez. Like so many, I adored him. What a shocking and unthinkable loss. He was transforming lives and making a real difference here. To say he will be sorely missed is a massive understatement.” — former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg
“I met Roberto Gomez for the first time when he came to City Council to testify. He wanted to help kids, with upbringings similar to his, have an opportunity at success. This business can be cynical and it’s easy to assume an agenda in an otherwise sincere offer of help, but I quickly realized that Roberto was without artifice. He wanted to give back to our community and just wanted to give kids a chance (in many cases a second or third chance) that he got himself.” — former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson
“When Roberto decided to run for City Council to bring the untold stories of so many Alexandrians to the forefront, we cheered him on. Devanshi texted him that she was so excited for him, and his reply said everything about who he was: ‘You spelled ‘us’ wrong. I will protect our kids. And our efforts.'” — Center for Youth and Family Advocacy
“Alexandria has lost an extraordinary champion for children. Roberto Gomez didn’t just believe in making a difference. He showed up, built relationships, created opportunities, and changed lives. Through Cornerstone Craftsman, his impact on Alexandria’s children and families was immeasurable.”– Center for Alexandria’s Children
“Rest peacefully, dear friend. You made Alexandria a much better place. Your life and legacy will be cherished by all who knew and loved you. Hug, call, visit, check-in on your loved ones, tomorrow is not promised.” — City Councilwoman Jacinta Greene
