Charles Gonzales

Charles Gonzales, 89, passed on April 30, 2018. His humor will be missed, as well as his insight, his character and his treasure trove of recollections – mostly involving misadventures with family and friends. Charlie was born April 22, 1929, in East McKeesport, Pennsylvania, into years of many challenges for him and his family. However, he thrived on the never-ending determination and inspiration of his demanding yet loving mother, Josephine R. Gonzales.

Charlie was proud of his honorable military service in the U.S. Marine Corps that produced many lifetime friendships. He was married 48 years to Carmen Chavez Gonzales, and retired in 1984 from a 35-year civil service career at Kelly AFB to enjoy many years ranching in Wilson County with his genius sidekick of a dog, April (who Charlie would agree was the brains of the outfit).

Never one to sit still for very long, Charlie was involved in many volunteer activities: Holy Rosary CYO baseball; Holy Cross High School Booster Club; and most recently Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital that he dearly loved. He also relished his decades of frequent fishing trips to the Texas coast, deer hunting in Central Texas, and exotic, international travel during his recent years. The many persons whose lives he touched, and who learned from his giving will undoubtedly exhibit Charlie’s legacy – especially the loved ones who were able to call him Uncle Charlie.

Charlie is preceded in death by his mother and brothers Luciano “TK” Gonzales; Raymond Gonzales; and Alonso “Junior” Garza. He is survived by his sister Mary McGinnes; brothers Gilbert and Joe Gonzales; daughter Josie Rangel and husband Gonzalo; son Carl Gonzales; and grandsons Andrew and Curtiss Gonzales.

Private cremation services are being handled through the Neptune Society. There will be a celebration of Charlie’s life – date, time and location to be determined. Memorial contributions may be donated to the Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Foundation, One International Center, 100 NE Loop 410, Suite 706, San Antonio, Texas 78216., or at www.childrenshospitalsafoundation.org.