Fernando A. Gonzales

Fernando is survived by three sons, Romeo Gonzales, Bobby Gonzales and Ulysses F. Gonzales.

Born and raised in Rosario (Salinas), Cavite, Philippines on May 30, 1921. The son of Apolonio Gonzales and Fortunata Alonzo Gonzales.

He entered the U.S. Navy in 1946 in the Philippines and retired in 1968. He stayed in San Diego after his retirement with his son Ulysses and wife Iluminada.

After his retirement and wanting to keep himself busy, he became an avid saltwater fisherman, began roasting lechon out of the backyard pits of his house, became active in the Salinas Association of San Diego, California (he was elected second president in 1971). He enjoyed traveling but by driving, not flying. He always said anyone can fly from point A to point B but if you drive, you get to see the beauty of our country in person.

Throughout his long life, he was always offering a helping hand whether it was a free haircut, catering for parties, teaching people how to make fishing poles or how to repair fishing nets, to designing landscapes or asked for words of advice, he was truly a Jack of all Trades.