Alfredo Z. Gonzales

Throughout his life he had a few "nicknames" such as Teca and AZ to name a couple. Most know him by these names.

On 24 June 1949 AZ joined the United States Army with his specialty being an Airborne Infantry Paratrooper. He served as a Mess Sergeant for all of his 23 years of service and was very proud to do so.

On 12 July 1950 he married Frances Alvarado and thus began their military career together.

From 1949 to 1967 he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky and the elite 173rd Airborne Brigade in Okinawa. In 1950 he served in Korea.

In combat, he served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Bien Hoa, South Viet Nam from 1965-1967. His other duty stations included Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas and Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, Hawaii. He retired from military service on 1 July 1972.

After his military service, AZ served with the Bexar County Sherriff's Department as a jailor and law enforcement officer serving warrants for 20 years, from 1973 to 1993.

AZ is a lifetime member of VFW Chapter 9186, and served as commander from 2007 to 2008.

He participated in local San Antonio Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades, as well as planning and organizing numerous VFW Chapter 9186 community wide barbecues and events.

AZ was an avid fast-pitch softball player, playing third base, as well as a coach. In the 1960's, he coached his unit teams in Fort Campbell and Okinawa to the base championship. His Fort Campbell team competed and won two games against the famed 4-man softball team The King and his Court.

For many years AZ enjoyed bowling with his wife Frances, finishing in first place in leagues numerous times.

A fisherman, he was known to go just about anywhere for the catch. He enjoyed bass fishing, as well as deep sea, where he caught a good sized marlin in Hawaii during the 1969-70 timeframe.

One of his passions was hunting. He hunted wild game and his sons were his favorite bird dogs!

As a young Soldier he was a boxer, participating in smokers at Fort Bragg and Fort Benning.

Another passion was family get-togethers. AZ and Frances' home was always open to all and they were known for never letting anyone leave hungry.

AZ/Teca is survived by his children, Christopher, Alfredo "Robin", Richard, Roger, Terry, and Frances. He has numerous grand- and great-grand children.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at Porter Loring on McCullough.

On Monday, November 10th at 12:00/Noon a service will be held in the Porter Loring Chapel on McCullough.

He will be buried alongside his wife of 62 years in Fort Sam Houston Cemetery.