Ricardo Gomez, the grandfather of Selena Gomez, was a special part of her life. He was a loving and supportive grandfather who urged her to pursue her dreams. His tale is not only about being Selena’s grandfather but also about the roots of the family that influenced the woman we all know today. Let us examine closely who Ricardo Gomez was and how he shaped Selena.
Quick Facts About Ricardo Gomez
Full Name | Ricardo Joel Gomez |
Birthdate | N/A |
Occupation | N/A |
Husband/Wife | Mary Magdalene Gomez (born in Texas) |
Died | 2016 |
Age | N/A |
Parents | Not Known |
Grandchildren | Selena Gomez, Marcus Gomez, Tori Gomez |
Children | Ricardo Joel Gomez Jr. (Selena’s father), Gracie, Suzette |
Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Ricardo Gomez was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. He grew up in Mexico before moving to the United States. He married Mary Magdalene Gomez, who was born in Texas. The two met in California and got married in either 1962 or 1975. The exact year of their marriage varies depending on the source. Together, they had three children: Ricardo Joel Gomez Jr. (Selena’s father), Gracie, and Suzette.
Ricardo Gomez was a proud Mexican. His heritage and values were passed on to his children, particularly his son, Ricardo Joel Gomez Jr. (also referred to as Rick), who went on to be Selena’s father.

A Loving Grandfather
Ricardo Joel Gomez, Selena’s grandfather, was not only a family member. He was a good friend to Selena. She would frequently tell people that he was one of her best friends. Selena looked up to him and frequently told people how much he had impacted her life.
Selena mentioned that her grandfather always taught her to be herself and pursue her dreams. He was instrumental in shaping her. His love and support assisted her in becoming the strong lady she is today.
Influence on Selena’s Career
Selena Gomez never hesitated when expressing her appreciation for her loved ones and their influence on her career. That included her grandfather, Ricardo. He was like that for her, always giving her support. Selena said once that one of the people who first put his faith in her when she began to develop her acting and music career was her grandfather.
Ricardo’s support instilled confidence in Selena to pursue her interests. Even during difficult times, his advice motivated her to continue. Selena frequently mentions her Mexican roots, which she picked up from her family, particularly her grandfather.
The Gomez Family Legacy
The Gomez family was Mexican-American, and Ricardo played a huge part in that. Selena’s Mexican heritage came from her father’s side of the family. Her grandfather ensured that Selena knew how much family, culture, and tradition mattered.
The legacy of Ricardo lives on through his daughter, Selena, and her father, Rick Gomez. Both Selena and her father have frequently expressed the significance of family in their life. The affection and wisdom taught by Ricardo have influenced the Gomez family for generations.
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Passing Away and Lasting Influence
Unfortunately, Ricardo Joel Gomez died in 2016. He was a huge loss to his family, but his memory endured. Selena still talks about how much she misses him, yet how thankful she is to have had time with him.
His legacy is still alive in Selena’s life today. She keeps his memory alive by being true to herself and her values. Ricardo Gomez’s legacy is seen in the manner in which Selena talks about her family and accepts her origins.