John H Gonzales

June 16, 1943 – August 20, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved John H. Gonzales, lovingly known to his family as “Nano,” who passed away on August 20, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on June 16, 1943, John was a man with a generous heart, a giving spirit, and a willingness to help those he loved through both the good times and the difficult ones. He was the kind of person who showed his love not only through words, but through his actions. He was always there when his family needed him, offering support, guidance, and a helping hand through many of life’s hardships.

John and his beloved wife, Maggie Gonzales, shared a life together that began in 1987. Over nearly four decades, they built a home and family filled with love, memories, laughter, and plenty of adventures. They enjoyed camping and taking long drives together, sometimes simply seeing where the road would take them including one memorable drive that somehow ended with us all in Reno.

John enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved gardening, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He also had a long and accomplished career. He worked for General Motors and later continued his career with FMC and Lockheed Martin, working in the defense and aerospace industries before retiring. He took great pride in his work, but those who knew him best knew that his greatest legacy would be the family he loved and the lives he touched.

The name “Nano” was given to him by his grandson Christian, and it became a name that would forever represent the special place he held in our family. Being Nano was one of the greatest roles of his life.

He shared an especially close bond with his grandchildren, particularly Christian and Cassandra. He was a constant presence throughout their childhoods. He volunteered at their school and, for years, would bring Christian lunch and sit down to have lunch with him nearly every day, continuing the tradition until Christian was in fifth or sixth grade.

He was also one of their biggest supporters. Whether Christian or Cassandra had a sporting event, Nano was there. He rarely missed a game and took great pride in showing up and cheering them on. Those moments sitting together over lunch, watching from the sidelines, and simply being present are memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Nano could be tough at times, but his family knew that toughness came from a place of love. He wanted the best for us, wanted us to be strong, and wasn’t afraid to tell us what we needed to hear. Looking back, we understand that even those moments were another way he showed how deeply he cared.

John was also someone who seemed to make friends wherever he went. Whether he and Maggie were at the casino, walking through Costco. John had a way of connecting with people. His neighbors became friends, familiar faces became conversations, and people remembered him for his warmth, kindness, and generous heart.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest granddaughter. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Maggie; two sisters; a son and daughter; four grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as four stepdaughters and eleven grandchildren who were blessed to have him as part of their lives.

Family was at the center of John’s life. To us, he was much more than a stepfather or grandfather. He was Dad. He was Nano.He was someone we could count on, someone who helped carry our family through difficult times, and someone whose love was shown in countless ways over the years.

His absence leaves an enormous space in our family, but so does the love he gave us. That love will continue through the stories we tell, the lessons he taught us, the memories we share, and the lives of the children and grandchildren who knew and loved him.

We will forever be grateful for the years we were given with him.

Nano, you will forever be in our hearts, and you will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving you.