Tony Gonzalez

Gonzalez, Tony
86, of Mesa passed away on February 7, 2016. Tony, the son of the late Jose and Eladia Gonzalez, was born in Brooklyn, New York. Tony graduated from Queens Vocational High School in 1947 where he trained as a radio operator. In Korea, he used those skills while serving in the US Army as part of the Military Intelligence Corp. Upon returning from Korea, he married Lucy (Gonzalez Luna) and worked as a bellhop for the Hotel Roosevelt in Manhattan, NY. In 1955 he was accepted into the New York City Police Department (NYPD) where he served as a patrol officer and detective for 20 years. While in New York, the couple welcomed six children into their home. Upon retiring from the NYPD, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona where he started a second career as a Lieutenant in the Arizona State Capitol Police. In Arizona, the couple welcomed their seventh child. Tony was a humble, hard-working man who always strived to do the right thing. He loved his family greatly and willingly made many personal sacrifices for them. If asked, he would say they were his greatest achievement. He was an active and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will be remembered for his love, dry humor and thick Brooklyn accent. Tony is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucy; his children Anthony (Karen), William (Antonia), Theresa Dowell (Alan), Vincent (Flora), Lucy Perkins (Douglas), Joseph (Gabby), Michael (Kylie); 29 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and grandson, Gian Carlos Gonzalez. A funeral is scheduled at 9:00 am on Friday, February 12 at the LDS Church on 1415 East Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ. A military burial will take place a 1:00 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.