#CYPossible: Rod Gomez, Mortuary Science
Completing coursework calls for celebration, and we are proud to celebrate with Cypress College’s newest degree- and certificate-holders. By achieving these education goals, graduates and certificate-earners are equipped to continue on their college path or find strong footholds in the career fields they’ve chosen. We’ve taken the journey with these outstanding students, and know that when they look to the horizon, they see what is #CYPossible.
Please tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I grew up in Southern California – my background is a bit of a winding path. I started out in entertainment and hospitality. I was a musician, singer-songwriter, and worked in hotels, helping to create memorable experiences for guests. I always loved the planning and business side of things too. I also explored the sales arena where I learned about providing value for clients and matching our offerings to their unmet needs. As a young adult I traveled around the United States for a time, but I never quite found my niche.
Everything shifted after 9/11. My mom had a massive stroke shortly after, it was the beginning of a very long goodbye; she eventually passed in 2014. My dad became her full-time caregiver and in doing so he neglected his own health. He passed in 2016. Losing both parents was life-changing, I thought and hoped we would have longer. Family is everything.
At the end of 2005 I saw an article about the Mortuary Science program at Cypress College. Something just clicked. I’ve always been drawn to the arts and sciences. When I was admitted to the Mortuary Science program in 2007 it felt like a place where I could do both. Embalming requires a strong command of anatomy, biology and chemistry. A good embalmer understands the chemical reactions they are creating and the effects on the body. Some artistic finesse is also necessary to restore a natural appearance. It was there that I found my purpose, embraced my nurturing and altruistic side, and ultimately began a career serving others during their most difficult times.
In my off-time, I cherish every moment with my family, especially when we’re out in nature, soaking in the peace and quiet together. There’s something about the beach in the off-season, feeling the cold sand and getting my toes in the water — it instantly grounds me. I’m passionate about fly fishing and camping in the Eastern Sierra, where the stillness of the woods and the sound of the water help me reset. Listening for bears in the distance (hopefully not too close!) just adds to the adventure. Nature has a way of bringing me back to center. And yes, I’m absolutely a dog person – my two senior Chihuahuas are full of personality and always manage to keep life interesting.
Why did you choose to attend Cypress College and how did being a student there help you find your first position after completion?
Cypress College was truly a turning point for me. I saw the Mortuary Science program and it resonated with the direction I wanted to go. I wasn’t just looking for a job – I was looking for a fresh start where I could really pour myself into something meaningful.
Cypress gave me that. The program was intense, but the camaraderie and support were real. By the second semester, it already felt like I was surrounded by future colleagues, not just classmates. We were encouraged to think about the future of the industry, to honor its history, but also to question and improve it. That mindset stuck with me.
While I was there, I really got involved. I sold keychains with the Cypress logo and Mort Sci branding to raise money for scholarships, and I organized a Habitat for Humanity build day for students. And it all paid off; I was scouted while in school by Bill Gillespie at Pacific View Memorial Park. I started working part-time as a service director and eventually worked my way up. Graduating in 2008, I knew Cypress had set me up with a solid foundation, not just academically, but ethically and professionally.
What did you pursue after completing your studies at Cypress College and where are you now?
After graduation, I dived straight into the industry and pursued full-time work. I wanted to see how everything I’d learned applied in the real world. I also got involved with professional associations like the Orange County Funeral Directors Association. It was important to me to continue learning, networking, and growing.
Fast forward to now, I’m in my dream role. I serve as Managing Director for Dignity Memorial’s Orange County and Major San Diego Territory. I oversee 13 funeral homes, six cemeteries, and five crematories with over 600 associates, we serve around 6,700 families every year. I’m also a Senior Director on SCI’s elite Ceremonial Funeral Team, which provides services for notable individuals. It’s humbling, and I don’t take it lightly.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My biggest goal is to leave this industry better than I found it. It’s not broken by any means, but there’s always room to evolve — to better serve families, to adapt to changes in cultural and service trends, and to lead with compassion. I want to model the high standards I was taught at Cypress, and mentor new leaders who can carry that legacy forward.
Creating a healing environment for families is at the heart of what I do. I see myself as a steward – someone who guides not just the families we serve, but also the teams I lead. The responsibility is big, and I’m committed to it.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
Ceremony and ritual. They’re such powerful tools for healing. Even when a family hasn’t planned a formal or “traditional” service, there’s still an unspoken need for that catharsis. I’m passionate about creating not just emotional spaces, but physical places where people can begin to heal. Especially for our direct cremation families, we can figure out how to still provide something meaningful, even when it’s non-traditional. That’s where I see I can make a lasting impact in this profession.
What are you most proud of?
Honestly, it’s a collection of small, profound moments: finding the right words to say to someone in the depths of grief. Being present for them in those moments of unimaginable loss.
I’m also really proud of the work we’ve done creatively, such as offering services that go above and beyond in telling the story of a lifetime with décor, visuals, lighting, music and food. I’m proud of participating in our company’s program which cares for homeless veterans. In 2009 I took part in a funeral service for 10 homeless veterans. After sacrificing so much during their military service, at the end of life these 10 veterans had no one to care for them. Our company provided a traditional funeral with full military honors and burial at Riverside National Cemetery. It was the first of its kind in L.A. County and something I’ll never forget. In 2011 I began working with our company’s Ceremonial Funeral Team. In my work with the CFT I’ve taken part in the implementation of many high-visibility funeral and memorial events for distinguished and noteworthy individuals across the country.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I’d probably start sooner but, honestly, I don’t think I was ready back then. I needed to go through those life experiences to become the person I am today. I have no regrets. Every twist and turn brought me here, and I’m grateful for the journey.
What one bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
Find your “why.” Really take time to reflect on why you’re choosing this profession. Whether it’s to help people in grief, to honor life, or to support your own family — keep that “why” close. It’ll sustain you when the work gets heavy.
Also, take care of yourself. This work can be emotionally draining. I kept a file of thank-you notes from families. It has helped me stay grounded and reminded me why I do what I do. Prioritize your self-care. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, or just taking a break — it matters. And remember, you’re just getting started. The future is bright, and you’ve got great things ahead.