Hipolito Gonzalez Jr.

He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 8, 1946. Polo graduated from Roy Miller High School and completed two years of technical instruction at Del Mar College.

After a whirlwind courtship, Polo was married to Connie Gaytan on November 21, 1969 whom he loved with all his heart and soul for almost five decades. Connie was Polo’s best friend and partner in crime; where Polo was, Connie was, always close behind supporting him in every endeavor or partaking in an exciting adventure.

Polo had a career in the oil and gas industry as a terminal operator for CITGO Refinery for more than 20 years. Polo also worked at the Reynolds Aluminum Plant for a few years before joining CITGO. Prior to his time at Reynolds, Polo served for four years in the United States Marine Corps where he saw combat during the Vietnam War as an infantry man. His time in the Corps had a lasting, positive effect on how he lived his life as a patriotic citizen and raised his children.

Polo enjoyed passing time with friends and family. No matter the time of the day or the day of the week. Polo had a smile on his face ready to talk current events, sports, or share a joke. With his quick wit and silver tongue, Polo was always bringing a smile to those around him. He mostly enjoyed attending local high school supporting events where he passionately cheered for his Miller Buccaneers. When not cheering for his Bucs, he was hooting and hollering for his Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys in between rounds of golf with his lifelong friends. A devoted Catholic; Polo relied on his Faith to see him through the difficult times in his life and also thanks the Lord for his many blessings.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Gonzalez; children, Iris Gonzalez and Lt. Col Michael Gonzalez, USMC; daughter-in-law, Lidia Gonzalez; grandchildren, Sophia and Luke Gonzalez; siblings, Aurora Saldana and Amelia Dukes; and nieces, Irma Moreno and Jessica Saldana. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hipolito and Fermina Gonzalez, and siblings, Emilio Gonzalez and Maria Martinez.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the Funeraria Del Angel Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, Texas. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Saint Joseph Church in Corpus Christi, Texas with the burial scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Anyone willing to leave condolences for the family may do so at www.funerariadelangel.com The funeral home’s contact number is 361-882-3000.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel, Corpus Christi, TX.