Tomas "Tito" Gonzalez

Tomas was born in Acatic, Jalisco on September 22, 1922. He spent his childhood in Mexico where he made a living as a barber, a shoemaker, raising livestock or farming over the years. He met the love of his life, Sara, in his hometown at a young age. They quickly married and began a family and moved to Santa Paula, CA in 1960. He began a career at Limoneira Company harvesting fruit and working in the nursery and dedicated 12 years to the company. In 2009, Tomas was honored as Grand Marshall for the city’s annual Labor Day Parade.

In the later years of his life, he was happiest when working on his ranch where he grew vegetables and raised goats, chickens, sheep, peacocks and doves. Those who knew him knew he had a passion for all of his animals and was proud to show them off to anyone who visited.

Tomas was preceded in death by two infant children, Lupita and Ponchito; his wife of 62 years, Sara; great-grandchildren CJ Gonzalez and Adam Paz and grandson, Ricky Chavez.

A devoted Father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Tomas’ biggest legacy is his family. He leaves behind 12 children; Esther (Tony) Berumen, Rosa (Jorge) Paz, Connie (Lalo) Berumen, Sara (Juan Manuel) Davalos, Kiko (Aurora) Gonzalez, Jorge (Sarah) Gonzalez, Pepe (Adriana) Gonzalez, Chayo Gonzalez, Tomas (Estella) Gonzalez, Carlos (Betty) Gonzalez, Yoly (Jaime) Chavez, Lucy (Mario) Hernandez; 41 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren and all of his farm animals.

Tito te queremos mucho, siempre viviras en nuestros corazones. Gracias por tu buen ejemplo.

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday, December 9, at St. Sebastian Church, Santa Paula. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, December 10, at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Paula. Burial will follow at Santa Paula Cemetery.