Eugene Rafael Gonzales was called to his eternal home in Heaven on July 18, 2021 after a three year battle with cancer. He was an absolute warrior, fought relentlessly without complaint, leaving us in absolute awe of his courage and strength. He was at home in the arms of his wife, daughter, and son at the time of his passing.
Gene was born on December 20, 1967 in Kearny, Arizona to Juaquin and Hortencia Gonzales of Hayden, Arizona. Gene was raised in Hayden-Winkelman and graduated with Lobo pride in May of 1986. Gene was blessed to have been born into two large families and to have many great childhood friends who were by his side until the time of his passing.
Gene built his adult home in Apache Junction, Arizona. He shared that home with his wife, Robyn Chase-Gonzales, whom he was happily and faithfully married to for 23 years and his children Sarah Annalyse Gonzales and Joshua Eugene Gonzales who he loved and adored with all of his heart.
Gene was employed with the City of Mesa where he worked as a Pre-Treatment Supervisor in the Water Resources Department. Gene loved his job and always felt blessed to be able to do what he did with the great people he was fortunate enough to work with.
Gene loved spending time with his family and friends. He most enjoyed spending his time in the great outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, and riding his off-road vehicles in the desert, forest or at the sand dunes. He was the camp host, the man with the tools, ideas, and entertainment! He always had a way of making those around him laugh and told the best stories around the campfire. His wit and sense of humor are truly legendary.
Gene is survived by his wife, two children, mother, siblings Maria Martinez, Jackie Gonzales, Sara Gonzales, Amelia Gonzales, his brother in-law RD Chase (Erica Chase), mother in-law Cheryl Chase and father in-law Rod Chase, as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many life-long friends. Gene was preceded in death by his father Juaquin Gonzales and brother in-law Richard Martinez.
Services will be held at St. George Catholic Church in Apache Junction on Friday, July 30th beginning with the Rosary at 10:30 AM and followed by the Mass at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at the Elk’s Lodge in Apache Junction located at 2455 N. Apache Trail, Lost Dutchman Hwy 88.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the GONZALES family.
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