Gonzalo was the son of Jose and Dora Elia Sanchez who welcomed him Home along with his beloved daughter and brother who passed at birth, nieces Trini Cantu and Yesenia Robles and brothers-in-law Albert Lopez, Simon Rodriguez and Santos Recinos.
Gonzalo will be missed by so many but especially by his beloved wife of 37 years, Melissa. They were each other’s soulmate, best friend, and protector. Together, they created beautiful memories throughout their marriage through countless cruises, family gatherings, and weekend getaways whether with friends, family or just as a couple. Gonzalo was a daddy of 4 including his non-adopted but adopted niece Krytstale. He was the family jokester who never failed to make people laugh or make them feel welcome inside his home. Even as adults his love for his children was endless. Gonzalo was also a very proud grandfather who spoiled his babies rotten.
Gonzalo was the 5th of 7 children each of whom he was very close too. As adults the family lived within a few miles of each other and, for a short time, on the same block. Gonzalo was also very close to his in-laws Tammy (Albert) Lopez, Michael Wall and Mother-in-law Santos Wall who he loved and adored.
Gonzalo was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila Mexico and came to the Dallas, Texas when he was 3 years old. He attended A. Maceo Smith High School and in April of 1985 was hired by the City of Dallas. Gonzalo worked for 26 years at the Dallas Zoo as a groundskeeper and was later transferred to Trinity Watershed and worked until November of 2015 when he retired with 30 years of service. It was a very proud accomplishment for him at the age of 50.
His hobbies included boating, camping, spending time with family and most recently relaxing and taking full advantage of his retirement. He loved watching westerns, Sci-Fi, and updating us on the news and what he learned on Tik Tok.
Gonzalo was preceded in death by his parents, Jose (Dora Elia) Sanchez, his daughter and brother who passed away at birth, nieces Trini Cantu and Yesenia Robles and brother in laws Albert Lopez, Simon Rodriguez, and Santos Recinos. He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa, children Joe Sanchez (Esther), Vanessa (Jose) Montoya, Erica Sanchez, Krystale Rodriguez, Steven Sanchez (Thomas); Grandchildren Brianna, Abraham, Emily, Matthew Montoya and Sophie and Natalie Sanchez. His siblings Esther Ramos, Gustavo (Yolanda) Sanchez, Imelda (Santos) Recinos, Sonia Trujillo, and Dora (Ignacio) Trevino. His Mother-in-Law, Santos Wall, and in-laws Tammy (Albert) Lopez, Simon (Angie) Rodriguez and Michael Wall. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many lifelong friends including his Zoo Family, the Aguirre Family, Morales Family, and Chavez/Enriquez Family.
Gonzalo’s family would like to thank all of those who expressed their condolences and made donations of time, food and other blessings for Gonzalo’s immediate and extended family.
Pallbearers include: Joe Sanchez, Steven Sanchez, Jose Montoya, Ignacio Trevino, Gustavo Sanchez, Leonardo Agustince. Honorary Pallbearers include Abraham Montoya, Timothy Robles, Jesus Rios Jr, Christopher Trevino, Michael Wall, Jr.
Services are under the direction of Laurel Land Funeral Home and will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 6300 South R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas 75232. Public visitation will begin at 4pm and end at 8pm with a Rosary from 6pm-7pm. Funeral Service will be on Thursday, February 10, 2022 and will begin at 2pm. Burial to follow at Laurel Land Memorial Park immediately following the service.
We ask that everyone wear a mask and remember to follow social distancing guidelines at all times at the viewing, service and internment.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the SANCHEZ-RODRIGUEZ family.
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