Richard Gonzales

Richard “Pops” Gonzales of Santa Ana, California died peacefully on March 9, 2020 at the age of 87.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Delila Gonzales, his children Roberta and Kevin McHugh, Richard and Idalia Gonzales, Yvonne and Mike Crehan, Erlinda and Charles Figueroa, and David Gonzales. Ten grandchildren Paul and Andrew Chandler, Sean, Bradley and Alice Crehan, Alex and Emily Figueroa, Algarin “Rick” Gonzales, Ricky and Alyssia Gonzales. Three great grandchildren Kylie, Tiffany and Vegas Chandler. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Gonzales, his parents and his brothers and sisters.

Richard was born on August 13, 1932 in Del Rio Texas to Juan and Angela Gonzalez. He graduated from Woodlake High School, CA in 1950. He served as Corporal in the US Army during the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal before his Honorable discharge in 1955.

He married Delila Morones in 1956 and they lived in Santa Ana where they welcomed six children into their home. Richard worked as an Aerospace Engineer.

Richard was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Family was very important to him and he was the happiest at family gatherings. He was a huge Los Angeles Lakers and Anaheim Angels fan and he enjoyed watching games either live or on tv. He played basketball at Sandpointe Park into his 60’s where everyone knew him by his nickname “Pops”. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all he met.

A private burial will be held at Riverside National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.