Johnny Gonzales

John Manuel Gonzales was born on November 19, 1947, to Ildefonso Gonzalez-Franco and Agripina Barba, at the San Antonio Hospital in Upland, California. He was the youngest child of twelve siblings. He was known to the family as “Tin Tin” and socially as Johnny. Johnny grew up in Rancho Cucamonga and was well known in neighboring cities, as well. His adolescence was raucous and because of his mischief-making ways, he “sampled” three different high schools, but finally graduated in 1967 from Chaffey Union High School. During his Senior year he married Sandra Martinez. He became a father to Debra Darlene Gonzales in 1968 just prior to his departure to serve in the United States Army in February of 1968. In the Army he was in the 82nd Airborne Division and was a Parachute Rigger, one of the most difficult military courses in the U.S. Army in which only about half of those who begin graduate. Upon returning from the Army, Johnny began his life as a father and husband, working and emerging as a young man. Johnny made his career as a United States Postal Carrier and worked in the Pomona and Diamond Bar areas. In 1974, he welcomed his second daughter Jonette Rachel Gonzales and then continued his fatherhood as a bachelor. In the 1980’s he joined the United States Air Force, and through this endeavor, he learned to skydive. Johnny loved to skydive! While serving in the Air Force he visited the Philippines and Japan. In 1988, he purchased his home and moved to Diamond Bar, California. Throughout his adulthood he was known to love baseball, football, a good movie, deep-sea fishing, betting, spending time with friends, visiting local watering holes, and spending time with his daughters. He went on annual deep-sea fishing trips to the Sea of Cortez and liked the thrill of reeling in a big fish! Johnny was well-known for his humorous mannerisms, wittiness, and his comedic timing was usually perfect, causing so much laughter! He played softball with friends and co-workers, and he enjoyed a good night at a casino. Johnny also believed strongly in God and Jesus Christ - he often shared scriptures with others, and he had faith in God’s love and forgiveness. Johnny loved his family dearly but was often solitary in his ways. Johnny regularly visited his daughter Debbie in Arizona, and when he could, he visited his daughter Jonette in Colorado. He was known to speak tenderly and lovingly about his daughters, and many said he spoke with pride. He always said he wanted boys, so his daughters complied! Johnny’s adoration overflowed to his grandsons – Brandon, Gabriel, Daniel, and Diego as well as to his great- grandchildren, Isla, and Orion. In 2006, Johnny retired from the United States Post Office with 33 years of service. He was very happy about this! However, to occupy his time in the last decade Johnny worked for the City of Diamond Bar part time. For the past seventeen years, Johnny was charmed by Frances Gallardo. They enjoyed each other’s companionship and engaged in all kinds of fun activities together, sharing their lives and families. Johnny died at home on December 28, 2021, at the age of 74. He will be missed, but love for him will never end.

Johnny Gonzales is survived by daughter Debra Armenta (53) and son in law Louis Armenta (53), daughter Jonette Trinidad (47) and son in law Eric Trinidad (42), grandsons Brandon Bushey (34), Gabriel Armenta (25), Daniel Armenta (17), and Diego Trinidad (13); great-grandchildren Isla Bushey (10) and Orion Bushey (6); siblings Ofelia “Pella” Gonzalez, Gilbert “Beto” Gonzalez, Philip “Pipi” Gonzalez, and Teresita “Terry” Gonzales; and girlfriend Frances Gallardo (70).