Jesse Zuniga Gonzales

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many and all…Jesse Z. Gonzales, also lovingly called Chuy.

After a long life lived, full of joy and adventure, he passed away peacefully at the age of 79 years.

His sense of humor was legendary—he could make anyone laugh with just one look from his bright green eyes. Jesse was the kind of man who made a deep impression on everyone he met. He had an amazing sense of humor, and he loved to tell stories.

Jesse was also known for his creativity. He could weld, fabricate anything you wanted if you just showed him how it was done once or twice; he would build beautiful sculptures out of yard waste; and he could fix your car or most things whenever it broke down—no matter what kind of problem it had, because he just loved “tinkering” around in the backyard!

Jesse's passion for learning stayed with him until the end of his life; even though he never finished school himself, he taught himself how to read because he loved newspapers so much (and later how to use social media!!) Boy, did he love looking at Tik Tok, much to his wife’s chagrin.

Jesse and Dolores married 65 years ago. They were childhood sweethearts and together they raised four boys who are now fathers themselves. Throughout their marriage they shared many adventures together— Like fishing, or sitting watching the water, searching for "gamerooms", but most of all family gatherings —and they always had each other's backs no matter what came their way.

Jesse cherished friendship above all else. His wife, Dolores, says that Jesse was always quick to make friends anywhere they went together—and she's right. Jesse had an amazing ability to connect with people wherever he found them—at school or at church, or even just at the grocery store. He made friends wherever he went because he treated everyone like family: as equals who deserved respect and kindness.

He will be missed dearly by all who knew him but never forgotten by those who loved him most dearly: his loving wife of 65 years; his 4 children; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank everyone who has shown their love and support these last few days. There will be no funeral since Jesse wanted everyone to remember him as he lived his life—full of laughter and love for others. His final wish was for all of us to remember him with a smile on our faces so that's what we'll do! We will have a celebration of Jesse’s life on Friday, December 30th from 10am-10pm. Please contact family for address.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Gonzales family.