GONZALES, Raul
Sadly, Raul Gonzales passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the age of 84. He was born in Los Angeles, California to Raul and Juanita Gonzales. Raul lived in Whittier, California and is survived by his beloved wife, Lillian Gonzales, his daughters Linda Alvarado and Rauline Ochs, his son, Raul Gonzales and grandson, Albert Alvarado, as well as his son-in-law, Alberto Alvarado and daughter-in-law, Maria Gonzales.
After graduating from Garfield High School in 1948, he married Lillian Montano in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he was inducted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Returning home from his service, he attended East Los Angeles College studying engineering while working at American Can Company. In 1957, Raul designed and built his house in Whittier where he resided for 56 years until his death. He retired from American Can Company after 28 years. Subsequently, he taught Building Technology at Don Bosco Technical Institute, then worked another 3 years in an operational vice president role in the construction industry.
Raul was an environmentalist and loved animals. His volunteer activities included homeless pet rescue and Pet Assistance neutering and spaying programs. Concern for children in East Los Angeles motived him to forego a commercial development opportunity; he instead made land available to the Federal HeadStart Program offering local children access to preschool.
In the community, Raul was most widely known for 25 years of political activism including a leadership role in the Mark Twain Democratic Club where he served as a delegate in the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. He teamed with members and like-minded local residents to establish Democratic headquarters facilities in support of presidential campaigns over the years.
Raul Gonzales will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services: Saturday, September 21, 2013 3:00-4:00 at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, California 562-698-0304
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Rest in peace Uncle Raul. You are missed.
Luis Mark Juarez
October 27, 2013
Sis, we will miss Raul but he will be forever in our hearts. As long as we keep is memory alive in us he will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace Raul.
Love you
Unkie
September 21, 2013
Papa,
We miss you. May you rest in peace and be free of hospitals.
Love,
Linda and Alberto
Linda Alvarado
September 18, 2013
Raul has been and will continue to be in our prayers.
Gloria and Ed Duran
September 17, 2013
hi Lillian. I am sorry to hear about Raul. may he rest in peace.
Stella Boyle
September 17, 2013
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