Richard Nicholas Gonzalez

Richard N. Gonzalez, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, Godfather, Compadre and uncle, passed away on May 4, 2017 at age 73. He was born on September 10, 1943 in Monterrey, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at a young age. He served his country in the United States Army, Vietnam War Field Artillery Division in 1966-1967. He married the love of his life, Janie Cantu on June 23, 1968 and enjoyed 48 years of marriage. He was a Diesel Mechanic with METRO for 15 years and retired at the age of 56, then making many wonderful memories with his wife and family.

Richard is preceded by death by his parents, Cesario Gonzalez and Jovita Gonzalez, his sister, Maria Cristina Gonzalez and brother Cesar T. Gonzalez. He is survived by his loving wife, Janie C. Gonzalez; his daughters, Janet Gonzalez-Durondeau; Yvette G. Dessens and husband, Mark C. Dessens; and Rosalinda G. Garcia and husband Sergio C. Garcia; brother, Gerardo Gonzalez and wife, Cecelia Gonzalez; grandchildren, Nikolas A. Reyna and wife, Alexis C. Reyna; Nathaniel A. Reyna, Noah A. Reyna, Isabella L. Durondeau, Sergio G. Garcia III, Mariela G. Garcia, Julianna G. Garcia, Kyle B. Dessens and Sean C. Dessens. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Nevaeha C. Reyna, Liliana R. Reyna and Adrian N. Reyna, and a large, loving family of nephews, nieces and cousins.

He enjoyed many family outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and pulling his travel trailer to Leakey, Texas. Having three daughters didn’t slow down his outdoor experience; he taught them how to shoot and took them fishing numerous times in Palacios. Because of him, his daughters could change the oil in their cars, change a tire, and drive a standard-shift car. He rolled on the “sink or swim” theory, and his daughters swam. Although he softened up with his grandchildren, he enjoyed teaching them to be resourceful as well. He is remembered as the Mexican Macgyver.

He was always the center of attention in a group, with humorous stories that would bring belly-ache laughter out of everybody around. He was proud to be a Vietnam Veteran, with hat and bumper sticker on display. He would always salute another veteran, and enjoyed trading stories with them. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all.

Most importantly, he became a follower of Christ, and we believers can take comfort in the hope of seeing him again when we are taken Home. He appreciated and regularly participated in prayers, even to his last days here. The family deeply appreciates the visits, thoughts and prayers from family and friends over the last several weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome a contribution to the charity of your choice.