Albert J Gonzalez

Albert J. Gonzalez was born on December 20, 1946, in Laredo, Texas, to Alberto Gonzalez Sr. and Paula Molina. He was raised in Dallas, where he grew up in the Little Mexico projects and attended St. Ann’s Catholic School. Albert was a proud member of the first graduating class of Bishop Dunne Catholic High School in 1965. A talented athlete, he earned Bishop Dunne’s first All-District TCIL and All-State football honors. His athletic skill attracted offers from several colleges, including the University of Oklahoma, but a knee injury during his senior year brought his football aspirations to an end.

In 1967, Albert graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services, beginning a lifelong career of service and compassion. His professional journey took him to McAllen, Austin, and Fort Worth before he returned home to Dallas in 1977. There, alongside his brother Frank, they founded Gonzalez Funeral Home, Inc. Together, they built one of the most respected and successful funeral homes in the Southwest. Albert proudly served his community for 35 years, retiring in 2012. During his career, he also served as President of both the Dallas County Funeral Directors Association and the North Texas Funeral Directors Association, earning the respect of peers across the industry.

Beyond his professional life, Albert was deeply committed to his community and culture. In his younger years, he was active in the Mexican Americans for Civic Action (MACA), where he was labeled a “radical”—a title he wore with pride. He was a co-founder of the Dallas Mexican American Historical League and contributed his time and leadership to many organizations, including Friends of St. Ann’s Alumni, Hogar de Dallas, the Dallas Chapter of the American G.I. Forum, Dallas Legacy Mission 7 Last Patrol, and most recently, The Mexican American Museum of Texas. Albert believed passionately in preserving and promoting Latino culture for future generations.

In his spare time, Albert enjoyed watching Texas Rangers baseball, traveling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting and academic events. He cherished moments with his family and friends and loved sharing stories and laughter with his contemporaries.

Albert will be remembered as a kind, generous man who loved his family deeply and devoted his life to serving others. His legacy of compassion, community service, and cultural pride will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Paula Gonzalez; Sister, Henrietta Gonzalez; Brother, Frank Gonzalez. He is survived by his Wife, Frances M Gonzalez; Son and Daughter-in-law, Albert Anthony and Teresa Gonzalez and their children Albert Michael and Gabriela Cristina Gonzalez; Daughter and Son-in-law, Elisa Cordova-Long and Kenneth Long and their children, Antonia Dora Soto, Dallas Bryana Deskins, Savana Holly Long and Preston Tyler Long; Sister and Brother-in-law, Mary and Joe Deleon; Sister-in-law, Juanita C Gonzalez; Stepsons, David Cordova, Danny Cordova and Darrell Cordova; Grandchildren, Alexander Ray Cordova, Brandon Carter Cordova, Jaden Elisa Cordova, Christopher Jordan West, Simona Jade West, Penelope Jordan West, Jennifer Leigh Cordova and Angelica Isabella Cordova -Ramirez.

The Gonzalez family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Forest Park Nursing and Rehabilitation for their compassion and care of Mr. Gonzalez.

A visitation for Albert will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247. A rosary will occur Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247. A mass of christian burial will occur Friday, November 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2215 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201. An interment will occur Friday, November 14, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either DMAHL, Hogar de Dallas or The Mexican American Museum of Texas in his name.

Rest in Peace, Albert!