Nieves Gonzalez, III

Nieves Gonzalez III was born on September 14, 1941, to Pearl and Nieves Gonzalez, Jr. He was the eldest in a family of five sisters, and one brother (Mamie Gutierrez, Pearl Leija , Doris Gonzalez Guerra, Joseph Gonzalez, Josie Gonzalez Utz, Rebecca Garza). He graduated from St. Josephs Academy in Laredo, TX (The Mighty Class of 1960) under the guidance and mentorship of the Marist Brothers. He excelled in football and basketball. His senior year he was All District in football. He was in the Sodality of Mary, the Glee club, and the Drama club. Between his parents and his education, Nieves grew to become a man of God and brother in Christ who was passionate about his faith and prayer life. After graduating from high school, he proudly served his country in the Navy and then graduated from his favorite Texas A&I, which he said would always be "Texas A&I till I die" even after it became Texas A&M. He graduated with a degree in Political Science. He started his career at HUD as a real estate appraiser and continued by working for several mortgage companies. He then started his own business, Snows Appraisal Services, where he served the San Antonio Metro area for over 40 plus years.

He met his wife, Nora, in 1958. He fell in love with her when she walked in at the City Drug Store where they had Coke and French fries with gravy. Nora had predicted, when she was a freshman, that she would marry him and were united in Holy Matrimony, August 1965 (56 Years). They were blessed with 3 great children, Nieves IV, Ana Cristina, Andrea Celisse. Then came the grandchildren, Victoria and Felecia Gonzalez, Benjamin and Adriana Vazquez. These were his treasures!

Nieves favorite time was to love and support his grandchildren in their school, performances, sports theater, dance and all other. He loved them like any grandpa should and was always there for them. As a taxi driver, as a deliverer of food, forgotten books or lunches and even took them to doctor and dentist appointments. He always put his family first and enjoyed every opportunity he had to spend with his wife, daughters and son and grandchildren and all his siblings.

Nieves and Nora and children were of the first families of St. Mark the Evangelist, where they attended church at St. Marks when it started at Blossom Athletic Center until the church was built. He was not a boastful man therefore we are here to boast of him! Nieves was active from the beginning, helping and coordinating the church bazaars and helped with successful fundraising events. One of his favorite times was when he helped the teen retreats at H-E-B camp. He was a cook. Well, he said it was more of a warming up of food than cooking. He would ask the kids where they went to school and if they said Churchill, he would tell them no food for you, go to the end of the line (LOL). Our family went to MacArthur High School and the kids from MacArthur received a double serving (Ha ha). He was an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist and a member of the Knights of Columbus for forty plus years where he served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. He attended several ACTS retreats and served as Director with his two buddies, John Thabet and Ron Hrncir as Co-Directors. He was fortunate to have found a friend in Monsignor Kevin Ryan, whom he confided in and looked to for many blessings. Nieves was always a helper and a gatherer. He spent thousands of hours serving others in his communities through evangelization and motivating others to get involved and serve in community.

The prayer he most was devoted to was the Rosary. He prayed the Rosary in thanksgiving, in times of sorrow, and in times when someone needed prayer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Nieves Gonzalez, Jr. and his sister, Pearl Leija. He is survived by his wife, Nora, and his children Nieves IV (Veronyka), Ana Vazquez (Jorge), Andrea McNeel (Charles) and his grandchildren, Victoria and Felecia Gonzalez, and Benjamin and Adriana Vazquez.

Nieves, we love you more!!!

The family will receive friends for Visitation beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2022 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio. A Vigil Service will follow at 6:00 PM.A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio.