Richard Gonzales

Richard Gonzales, passed away from natural causes on August 9, 2020, in Tracy, at

the age of 91.

Richard was born at home in Brentwood on October 7, 1928. He attended

Brentwood Elementary and graduated from Liberty Union High School. Richard worked

his whole life. He taught his children about how important a work ethic was by working

two or three jobs at a time. He started at the W.W. Morgan's Mercantile Store in

Brentwood. He was a superintendent for the Balfour-Guthrie Company. He went on to

work for the Irrigation District and Byron Union School District. Richard was the

superintendent of Maintenance, Grounds and Transportation for 27 years. Upon

retirement, the gymnasium was named in his honor. Richard worked evenings at the

Employment Development Department, and weekends and summers for the G.

Continente Ranch on Lone Tree Way. The last job that he cherished the most was

working with his son, Michael, at M.S. Gonzales, Inc. Trucking for the past 42 years.

Richard met his love of his life, Hazel, and they were married in Reno, Nevada

on January 18, 1953. He was a devoted father to his three children: Michael, Kimberly,

and Richard W. He loved to go camping, horseback riding, going to rodeos, spending

time with family, and helping others.

Giving back to his community was very important to Richard. His philanthropy

benefited many organizations as well as friends in need. He was the recipient of many

accolades for the support he gave his community and helping others. Richard was

known for his kindness and compassionate personality. He made a friend wherever he

went. His caring knew no boundaries. For his community, he served as a 4-H leader, a

Cubmaster for Boy Scouts, and a Volunteer fireman for 34 years at Station 57 in Byron.

Richard is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Hazel (Walker), his parents

Ricardo and Antonia, his brother, Arthur, and his sister, Concha, and daughter-in-law

Debbie.

Richard is lovingly remembered by his sons: Michael (Sherry) & Rick (Karen)

Gonzales, and his daughter Kim Ambrosino (Rich). His eight grandchildren: Shane

(Michelle), Vince, & Angelo Ambrosino; Michael Jr. (Rebekah), Kevin (Christina), Neil

(Cate), Richard Jr. (Gennifer) Gonzales, & Tiffany LaMunyon. His nine great

grandchildren: Sierra & T.J. LaMunyon, Gia Marie, Kevin Jr., Caleb, Evan, & Samuel

Gonzales, and Bodie & Billie Ambrosino. His sisters: MaryLou Martinez, Alice Kamers,

& Lily Beede, brothers: Tony Gonzales & David Gonzales. As well as many nieces &

nephews.

Please consider donating in his memory to one of his favorite charities:

East Contra Costa Historical Society, P.O. Box 202, Brentwood, CA 94513,

Village Community Resource Center, 633 Village Dr., Brentwood, CA 94513

Friends of the Byron Library, P.O. Box 2, Byron, CA 94514

Operation Creekside, 657 McClarren Rd., Brentwood, CA 94513

You may visit the Brentwood Funeral Home website: www.dignitymemorial.com

to leave a memory and get viewing times.