Elias C. Gonzales

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Elias Castro Gonzales was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Elias will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Elias Gonzales was born on June 6, 1926. He first greeted the world in Chula Vista, California. His parents' names were Simon and Adelfa Gonzales. He was raised in Chula Vista with seven siblings, brothers Arnold and Gilbert and sisters Inez, Josephine, Jessie, Pilar and Alice. During his teenage years, Elias attended Sweetwater High School.

As a young man, Elias met and fell in love with Freda Olguin and the couple exchanged wedding vows on January 29, 1951. The wedding ceremony took place in Yuma, Arizona. Empathic and loyal, Elias and Freda shared 60 loving years of marriage.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Elias was blessed with four children, Mary, Inez, Fred and Richard. Elias worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs, raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment. Later in life, Elias was blessed with the joy of eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Elias enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Elias worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. He worked at Teledyne Ryan as an Aircraft Mechanic for over 35 years.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Elias enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including going for walks, family bar-b-ques, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, doing yard work, spending time outdoors and reading his daily newspaper. He was also a huge fan of the San Diego Padres and Chargers, that is, when they were winning. Elias was always happy and willing to share his interests with others.

Elias Gonzales left us on October 15, 2011. He passed away in the comfort of his home in Chula Vista, California. He is survived by his loving wife Freda; his children Mary, Inez, Fred and Richard; his sisters Inez, Pilar and Alice; his brother Arnold; as well as many other relatives and friends. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A funeral service was held at The Little Chapel of the Roses on October 21, 2011. Elias was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, Elias was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Elias leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Elias Castro Gonzales touched will always remember him with a smile.