Joseph N. "Joe" Gonzales

JOSEPH N. GONZALES "Joe"

Joe passed away peacefully in Fresno at the age of 86 on New Year's Day 2004 with his family at his side. Born to Donicio Gonzales and Margareta Chavez on November 15, 1917 in Hanford. A professional Truck Driver for over 40 years During the early years he worked for Firestone Tire Company until he opened the Western Gillette Truck Depot Fresno-Division for whom he drove commercial trucks, and then worked for Delta Truck Lines until retirement. He also had an Auto Supply and Service Station on Elm Ave and had farming property. During the latter years after retiring from driving he worked for See's Candies for several years. He proudly served in the United States Army in the Seventh Infantry Division, of which he joined prior to World War II having been in several battles and campaigns in the Asiatic Pacific, Southern Philippines, Luzon, Aleutian Islands. Wounded in action in Okinawa he received the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and other medals like many of his fallen comrades during this period of history. He was dedicated to his country and the United States Flag to the end of his life. For 59-1/2 years Joe was married to his loving wife Jennie who preceded him in death on August 3, 2002. They raised their family with love and devotion and many sacrifices to educate and provide for them. They instilled a hard working ethic in all of the family. They shared and opened their home to many nieces and nephews that attended Fresno State. There was always a hot meal, a place to study, a ride to college, a few bucks in their pocket for coffee, and free laundry was available. A man with a loving opinion for all but would always add, "I do not want to butt in, but this is what should be done". There was always a phone call to see how you were doing. Dad, We will miss those phone calls. Papa, We will miss you, love you and always keep the loving memory of you in our hearts. Harry and Dalton He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter Monique Sommers; parents, Donicio and Margareta; sisters, Lupe Amador, Rita Pena, Angela Pantoja, and Regina Teixeira; brother, Adolph Gonzales; his traveling sidekicks, Ben Valles and Felix Carrillo; his loving stepmother, Roberta Gonzales and loving stepfather, Jose Lopez. He is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Sally and Donald Cardell, Margaret and Joseph Pulido, Mary Jane and Steve Quesada; grandchildren, Dionne and Harry Sommers, Jr., Matthew and Kelly Quesada, Jaimey Quesada, Jeff and Cheryl Cardell, Donna and John Weidenbach, great- grandchildren, Harry Sommers III, Dalton Sommers, Hannah Quesada, Jessica and Christine Weidenbach, and Evan and Chad Cardell. He is also survived by his gambling buddies, Lupe Valles and Gloria Carrillo; sisters, Minga Gonzales, Mary Fernandez, Rosie Cotta, Clemencia Navares, and Helen Marquez; brothers, Frank Lopez, and Peter Gonzales; and many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Chapel on Friday, January 9, 2004, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Saturday, January 10, 2004, at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Belmont Memorial Park Cemetery. Remembrances may be made in his memory to Hinds Hospice, 1616 West Shaw Avenue, Suite B-6, Fresno, CA 93711, or Valley Children's Hospital, 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera, CA 93637 WHITEHURSTSullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel1525 E. Saginaw 227-4048