Frank Edward "Eddie" Gonzales

Frank Edward "Eddie" Gonzales, 77, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of June 3, 2026, with his beloved wife Katharine by his side and the sounds of the Doobie Brothers — one of his favorite bands — filling the room. He was a devoted husband, a champion of his children — by blood and by marriage — and the biggest cheerleader for his grandchildren and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Eddie was born October 8, 1948, in Encinitas, California, to Frank Martinez Gonzales and Simona Montes Gonzales. As a young boy, he was active in the Solana Beach Cub Pack and South San Dieguito's Little League Baseball Program. As a young man, he continued his love of sports playing football and track, while also discovering a passion for music. He joined the Drum & Bugle Corps at Oak Crest Junior High and San Dieguito High School, where he played drums and earned awards for his talent. He went on to form The Bluesmiths — originally known as the Bluesmeisters — with fellow bandmates, playing rock and roll at the North Coast YMCA Youth Lodge and eventually moving on to paid gigs. He was also a member of several other bands throughout the years. Eddie graduated from San Dieguito High School and attended Palomar College.

In 1973, Eddie married the woman of his dreams, Katharine Wotkyns, and the rest is history. The couple ultimately relocated to San Marcos, California, where Eddie became deeply woven into the fabric of the community. He coached for SMYS and SMYB, served as a Boy Scout Leader, and was a proud "Overactive Parent" for the San Marcos FFA — a title worn literally, as FFA parents proudly made shirts to match. It was a role that suited him perfectly, and one he never really retired from. He worked as a Journeyman Carpenter for 30 years and was a member of Laborers' Local 89 for 12 years.

Eddie retired to do what he loved most — be there for his grandchildren. From that point on he was known simply as "Grandpa Eddie," a familiar and beloved presence at daycare and elementary school drop-offs and pick-ups, volunteer events, and sports fields across San Marcos. He cheered loudly, loved fiercely, and is remembered for his signature encouragements: "Everyone Hits," "Roll it to the Fence," and "Head Down, Toe Down."

Eddie faced his final months with quiet strength, under the care of Mission Hospice following a diagnosis of Vascular Dementia and a long battle with Type II Diabetes. True to the man he always was, he was never alone — surrounded by family and friends in his final months, always knowing he was safe and loved.

Eddie is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Katharine Wotkyns Gonzales; his three children, Marshall Gonzales and his partner Lydia Ochoa, Christopher Gonzales and his wife Lisa Gonzales, and Amanda Kelly and her husband Brad Kelly; his five grandchildren, Adrian, Landon, Braydan, Camdan, and Jane; and his great-grandchild, Bentley. He is also survived by his mother, Simona Gonzales; his sisters, Rachel Jackson and Priscilla Rojo; and his brother, Andrew Gonzales. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank M. Gonzales.

Family, friends, and all who knew and loved Eddie are welcome to join the visitation on Tuesday, June 16, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary Chapel in Oceanside, California. The family invites guests to share in light bites, desserts, and refreshments in celebration of his life. All are also welcome to attend the funeral and graveside services on Wednesday, June 17, beginning at 9:30 AM and 10:45 AM, respectively, also at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.+

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes love offerings in support of his wife, Katharine. Please contact any of their children for details.