Alexandria Trade Educator Roberto Gomez Dies at 39
The founder of Cornerstone Craftsman, who taught vocational skills to local youth, passed away suddenly on November 10.
By Lorenzo Patterson ·
Roberto Gomez, the founder of Alexandria’s Cornerstone Craftsman, died on Monday, November 10.
The nonprofit’s board of directors announced the sudden death on social media. Gomez was 39 years old. The organization has not yet released the cause of death.
Gomez established the trade education program in 2021. The group focused on teaching vocational skills to young people in the Alexandria area. In September, Gov. Abigail Spanberger visited the organization’s office on Eisenhower Avenue. After the tour, Spanberger told reporters that she was impressed by the work being done. She noted that members of the Secretariat of Labor were present to examine the program closely.
Gomez was born in Concord, Massachusetts. He moved to the Alexandria area of Fairfax County at age 15. He described his stepfather as abusive, a factor that led him to leave home. He was expelled from Mount Vernon High School after a fight. He earned his GED at 16.
He spent the next 15 years working in construction and learning various trades. He later founded Even Scale, a home remodeling company. In 2025, Gomez and his team received the Rising Star award at The Chamber ALX’s Best in Business event. Earlier this year, he also ran in the Democratic primary for an open seat on the Alexandria City Council.
The board described Gomez as the driving force behind Cornerstone. They stated that his belief in young people defined the organization’s mission. The directors wrote that he helped shape the futures of the students he mentored.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
