David Julian Gonzales

David was born on July 13, 1950, in Visalia, California. There, he attended Redwood High School and graduated in 1968. That same year, David joined the Air Force where he served for four years. During his time in the service, David was stationed in Japan where he met and married his first wife, Yoshie in 1971. They welcomed their first son Steven in February of 1974 in Tokyo, Japan.

Upon his return to the States, David began his academic career, first attending the College of the Sequoias and later transferring to Fresno State University where he graduated and obtained his degree in sociology.

David’s extensive and successful career in law enforcement began in 1980 when he started working at the juvenile hall and with The Fresno’s County Probation Department. During this time, David also served as a Union Representative and eventual Vice President of SEIU Local 535.

David married his second wife, LaCinda in 1981 and nine months to the day, they gave birth to their second son, Greggory in September of 1982.

After thirty years of service to his community, David retired from the Probation Department in 2010. He continued to serve his community however as an active member of the Fresno Peace Officer Memorial Association and was a regular donor to Central La Familia.

Always the life of the party, David spent the rest of his days after retirement enjoying golf with friends, wine and music. An avid sports fan, he loved tailgating with his friends and family, especially his niece, Sara, at the Fresno State Games.

He is survived by and will be deeply missed by his wife, LaCinda, sons Steven and Greggory as well his granddaughters, Alexis and Brenna. He is also survived by and missed by his daughter-and-son-in-law, Carolyn and Anthony.

Just as well he is also survived by his beloved pets, Winston, Lucy, Bernardo and his granddog, Cersei.

A funeral service will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706-1310, on January 19, 2026, at 10:00 am.