Ramiro Gonzalez Soto

With heavy hearts, we share the sorrowful news of the passing of our beloved father, Ramiro Gonzalez Soto, at the age of 82. He peacefully departed this life at his home and was welcomed into God’s loving embrace on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Born on March 13, 1943, in La Parrilla de Nombre De Dios, Durango, Mexico, to Catarino Gonzalez Rodriguez and Maria de la Luz Soto Sierra, he later married Josefina (Fina) Gonzalez Isais, whom he lovingly referred to as his “twin soul,” in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Together, they shared 56 years of devoted marriage. Ramiro is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Josefina “Fina” Gonzalez Isais, his brothers Juan Jose Rodriguez Soto and Raul Gonzalez Soto, his grandsons Nicolas Antonio Velasco and Matthew Maximiliano Gonzalez, as well as his parents, Catarino Gonzalez Rodriguez of Mexico City and Maria de la Luz Soto Sierra of Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

As the foundation of the Gonzalez family, Ramiro embodied strong faith, an unwavering work ethic, and an indomitable will. He instilled in us the values of gratitude, hard work, integrity, and the importance of savoring life. A successful businessman, his legacy endures in the company he built from the ground up. He found great joy in life and lived it fully, always emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and prioritizing family above all else. His love for travel, family gatherings, and spending time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense happiness. While his time with us was cut short, we trust in God’s greater plan, knowing that our dad is now reunited with his beloved wife and our dear mother.

Ramiro’s impact extended beyond his family. He served as a dedicated teacher in Reynosa for six years, where he taught 2nd to 6th graders, led the school’s marching band, and coordinated parades. His passion for teaching was evident in every aspect of his life. He believed that knowledge, if not shared, was like discovering a treasure and keeping it hidden. His resilience and drive led him to pursue the “American Dream” when he moved his small family to McAllen in 1969. He worked tirelessly, taking on multiple jobs to support them, while studying English and earning his GED. His dedication to his craft saw him become a Master Electrician after passing his exam in Austin, TX, and obtaining his Refrigeration and Cooling certification. He went on to establish Tel-Aviv Electric and AC and later opened his construction business, which has been in operation for more than 30 years.

One of our father’s greatest passions was his love for music, particularly his guitar. From a young age, he found solace and joy in strumming the strings, letting the melodies speak what words could not. His guitar was always close by, whether during family gatherings, quiet evenings at home, or spontaneous moments of inspiration. Music was his way of expressing emotion, and he could often be found playing his favorite songs, filling the house with warmth and harmony. He passed on his love for music to us, teaching us not just to play, but to appreciate the beauty in every note and the power music had to bring people together. For our Dad, his guitar was more than an instrument—it was a lifelong companion that provided him peace, joy, and a way to connect with others.

Above all, he was deeply proud of his large family, always reminding us of the importance of unity and togetherness. He is survived by his sister Yolanda Rodriguez Soto, brothers Gilberto Rodriguez Soto and Jose Antonio Rodriguez Soto, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his children, Imelda (Abel) Leal, Adriana (Salomon) Lopez, Josie N. Gonzalez, Ramiro (Clara) Gonzalez, Raul (Annet) Gonzalez, Illiana (Nicolas) Gonzalez, and Cristina (Michael) Rodriguez. Grandchildren: Clarissa (Robert) Patino, Austin Leal, Kailonni Leal, Vanessa (Luis) Solis, George (Jennifer) Mendoza, Jonathan (Ruth) Mendoza, Kaitlynn Velasco, Victoria Velasco, Devanee (David) Pena, Marc Gonzalez, Stephanie Gonzalez, Ramiro Gonzalez III, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Kristopher Gonzalez, Khaylee Gonzalez, Kevin Gonzalez, Mallory Gonzalez, Ashley Cisneros, Corey Cisneros Jr., Michael Rodriguez Jr., Natalie Rodriguez, and Valerie Rodriguez. Great Grandchildren: Gianna and Gavin Patino, Lexine, Lily and James Solis, Derrick, Mya and Olivia Mendoza, Ruth and Mia, Nathan, Zoe Mendoza, Ailene Gonzalez, Avery Villareal, Julian and Bella Gonzalez.

He left a profound impact on his family, friends, and community. The life he built, his dedication to family, and his work ethic are truly inspiring. His legacy will continue to live on through the values he instilled in everyone around him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Chapel Serenity in Mission TX. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church 900 S. 23rd Street, McAllen TX 78501. Interment will take place following the Mass at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:1-3