Gonzalo Gomez

Apa lived a life marked by responsibility, hard work, and the unwavering respect of those who knew him. The youngest of three children born to Abraham and Margarita Gomez. He was raised by Pedro and Anastasia Gamez.

Apa was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eloisa, his infant son German, his son Gustavo, his parents, and siblings Ralph and Celia.

In March of 1968, Apa moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he continued to build a legacy rooted in love, discipline, and unwavering determination.

He is survived by his children: Guadalupe, Gilberto (Aurora), Gustavo+ (Jovita), Gonzalo Jr. (Rosalinda), Guillermo (Brenda), Gerardo (Juanita), Griselda Dieter (Chris), Eloisa Gonzalez (Steve), German (Denise), and Olga Garza, Grandchildren: Abraham (Sandra), Melissa Esparza (Jose), Ruben, Aurora (Dario), Gilberto Jr. (Sofia), Gustavo ll, Margarita Farhad (Philip), Gonzalo lll, Gabriel, Angelica, Sergio,

Gabriela, Griselda, Reynaldo Ignacio (Lori), Christina Cardenas (Jose), Steve Gonzalez Jr. (Mary), Marisa Torres (Johnathan), Ruben (Vanessa), Great-Grandchildren: Abraham Jr., Gabriel, Angelina, Armani, Andres Esparza, Eliana Esparza, Yanita Esparza, Daisy, Laura Rivera (Vincent), Lilyana Muniz, Dario Muniz, Jiselle Tristan, Gilberto lll, Gianna, Nathan Ignacio, Nicholas Ignacio, Ariana Cardenas, Joseph Cardenas, Araceli Cardenas, Eleanor Gonzalez, Penelope, Myla Torres, Isabella Faulkner and numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.

Apa’s story is one of grit, humility, and boundless love for his family. His loved ones proudly say he was a man of his word, holding steadfast to principles that guided his life and those of his children. When asked, his children were quick to recall that Apa was always motivated by a deep desire to set a good example for his family to sacrifice whatever he needed. It was an emblem of his character—dedicated to doing right by his loved ones and inspiring them to lead lives of integrity.

A skilled concrete finisher and proud union worker, Apa built his career through tireless effort. He was especially proud of his ability to provide for his family, purchasing and renovating five single-family homes throughout his lifetime—projects he worked on after long days of work and on weekends. These homes were more than structures; they were symbols of the stability and security he tirelessly sought for his loved ones.

Though his work ethic defined much of his life, Apa knew the value of family and storytelling. He took great joy in recounting vivid tales from his life, captivating his grandchildren with details that brought history to life. His words often carried wisdom, as with one his favorite sayings, "No busques lo que no has perdido"—a reminder to stay grounded and avoid trouble. His children smile when asked about their Apa, recounting that his love for his family was evident in the countless moments he created with and for them. One cherished highlight was the day his children surprised him with his first truck—a gesture that brought him visible joy and a deep sense of appreciation.

Apa spent his free time tending to his yard, ensuring it was always pristine, and working on home projects, a reflection of his commitment to order and care. When asked, his grandchildren all agree that seeing him raking leaves in his flannels and boots will be a memory they cherish forever. His smile, particularly when playfully teasing Ama, brought warmth to all who saw it and will be deeply missed. He

now rests with his beloved Ama and their sons, reunited in eternal peace.

May Apa's life inspire us all to live with responsibility, hard work, and deep respect for one another.

The family will receive loved ones and friends on Friday, December 6th, from 5:00-9:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home in the Colonial Chapel with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 10:00 AM in the Grand Chapel of Forest Park Lawndale. Interment will follow at Hollywood Cemetery 3506 North Main, Houston, TX, 77009.