Jose Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez, Jr., 78, born on May 14, 1939 in Del Rio, Texas, passed away on July 13, 2017. He resided in Glendale, California, at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California.

Jose's "Living Funeral and Roast" was held on February 19, 2017. His burial at Riverside National Cemetery will not include another service, and we ask that you honor the family's wishes that it be private.

A classmate of Jose's wrote a book and asked his classmates for bios to add to the book. The book is titled 'The Road We Traveled" by Dr. Tony Carvajal. These are excerpts from the submission that Jose (Joe to many of his friends, and Little Joe to some of his family) wrote:

"San Felipe High School graduate, 1957. Selected 'Most Likely to Succeed' by his graduating peers."
"Joe's favorite memory was during the Fifth grade when they had to wear a tie for dress-0up on Fridays."
"Immediately after graduation, he and several of his peers joined the Marine Corp. He was tested and scored extremely high - at the college level, achieving an I.Q. of 131..."
"After he was discharged from the Military, he attended Sul Ross College for two years."
"Joe's parents were Joe C. Gonzales and Josefa. He was the sixth child and third son, making him the baby of his family."
"Joe married a woman named Fran, who is an honorary member of the class of '57. He considers himself 'Most Likely to Succeed' for having found her."

Jose was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Santiago (Jimmy) and Francisco (Frank) and his wife Esther, his brother-in-law Julian Villareal and his niece Julianne Villareal, his brother-in-law Frank Deleon, and his sister Esther (or Ester) and her husband Daniel (Danny) Pena. He is survived by his sisters Bertha (Nena) and Lydia (Lile), his wife Francine (Fran), his son Steven and his son's wife Grace, by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, etc., and many, many friends. All of those who have known him will miss him greatly, and remember him fondly, with love and respect for an extraordinary man.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.