Ricardo "Ricky" Gonzales

On April 4, 1961, Ricardo “Ricky” Gonzales was born prematurely in the back of a ‘58 Ford along Highway 33 in Dos Palos, CA. Which may have contributed to his lifelong love of classic cars. As the youngest of 8 children, Ricky lived a majority of his life in Santa Clara, CA. He graduated from Wilcox High School in 1980, lovingly raised his family there and was a long standing member of the Classic Image Santa Clara Car Club where he proudly displayed his white ‘64 Chevy Impala.

Unfortunately, on February 2, 2022, Ricky unexpectedly passed away at age 60 due to complications from Covid-19. He was a devoted father, partner, brother, uncle, cousin and friend and we will all miss him dearly. Ricky is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Elisa and Jose Gonzales, his sisters, Francis Valterra and Lupe Salazar and his brother Louie Gonzales. He is survived by his children; Elias, Maria and Jesse, his partner Kikita, his sisters; Marylou (George) Borbon, Gloria (John) Medrano, Margaret Vallejos, his brother Jose Gonzales Jr. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Affectionately labeled by his family as the “BBQ King”, there are so many memories of Ricky on the grill at hundreds gatherings throughout the years. Many who knew Ricky will remember his love of dancing- particularly to oldies, Ranchera, Cumbia and Old School jams. Or how much he adored classic cars. And while many of us knew that Ricky was a dedicated Raiders fan, his family says that he would often jokingly refer to Sunday Raiders games as “church” and not to bother him during “mass”. A majority of us can recall how much Ricky loved to laugh and be silly. Or how he would often assign his loved ones a playful or downright ridiculous nickname as a term of endearment. But most of all, we will remember that his love and devotion for his family and friends was immeasurable and that all of our lives are better, because he was in it.

Please join us in celebrating Ricky’s life and honoring his memory on

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 5-9pm for the viewing and Rosary at 7pm at the Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary located at 466 North Winchester Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Mass will be held on February 23, 2022 at 10am in the St. Lawrence The Martyr Catholic Parish located at 1971 St. Lawrence Dr. Santa Clara, CA 95051 Following Mass, a potluck gathering will be held at the Lima House on 464 North Winchester Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050