John Hector Gonzalez

He was born Wednesday, April 9, 1930 to the late Alfredo and Anita Gonzalez, in Los Angeles.

John was a very humble man who served our country for 4 years in the Navy during the Korean War as an Electrician's Mate First Class, on the USS Bedoing Strait.

First and foremost he loved God and being a loving husband for over 60 years of marriage while raising four children, which was the icing on his cake of life.

He was a natural at entertaining. He made many people smile with his talents as a performer, singer, teacher, showman, comedian and talented musician. He received formal voice training with the San Francisco Opera. He would sing at the drop of a hat! Anything you'd like, any genre, in English, Italian, Spanish, or French. He played many musical instruments, his favorite being his upright, 5-string Kay bass. He played popular nightclubs throughout the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He even cut an album with the Latin jazz band, entitled Eddie Encinas y sus Latinos Modernos.

After his 30-year career with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, he retired in 1993 as a Superintendent in the Power Operations and Maintenance Division. As he promoted within the municipal utility, he worked and lived in Bishop, CA, Boulder City, NV and the L.A. area.

He was a true "sports fan." He especially cheered on the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rams and the Raiders. He boxed Golden Gloves while he was in the Navy. His nickname was the Great Gonzo. He was the Founder of the YMCA's Judo program that consisted of over 100 regular players in Boulder City, Nevada.

John saw everything as an opportunity and when he wanted to learn something, boy did his desire and dedication keep him on task until he knew it well. John made every day count as if it were his last. He believed everyone deserved a chance and was always in favor of the underdog. Throughout his journey of life, John not only touched all those he came in contact with, he had knack for leaving that person feeling special.

He also enjoyed golfing, painting, drawing, camping, RVing, hunting, leading campfire sing-alongs, dancing, singing in the Our Lady of the Valley's Catholic Church choir, and tinkering in the garage. If it was broken, he could fix it. He won many awards for woodcarving. He was great at his daily crossword puzzles.

He loved his wife as much as anyone could possibly be loved. He set a shining example for his kids, grand kids, great grand kids, extended family and friends. He appreciated everyone. He always wanted to do his very best at everything he did. He was a devout, selfless man of God and we know he's now with his Reina, his beautiful wife, Marta, in Heaven.

His wife, Marta, brothers, Fernando Gonzalez, Alfredo Gonzalez, and Carlos Gonzalez, preceded John in death. He is survived by his children, Gina Davis and wife, Karen, of Chico, CA; Christine Gonzalez of Hemet, CA; Paul Gonzalez and wife Rose, of Flagstaff, AZ; and Alisa Gonzalez, of West Los Angeles. He was extremely proud to be a Grandfather of 10 and a Great Grandfather of 13.

He always prayed for everyone, he taught us all how to love and live life, when it was time to say his goodbyes he always left you with such kind words. He was a rule-follower and role model for all and will be dearly missed forever.

Insert Tarzan yell here ________________!

Viewing and Rosary: September 13, 2018, at Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory, 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet, CA 92543

Funeral Mass: September 14, 2018, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 780 S. State St., Hemet, CA 92543