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Tony Gonzalez Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Feb. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Tony Gonzalez

Not sure what to say?





February 24, 2016

So sorry for your loss.
May God surround and comfort you.
~Psalms 71:21

Darren Eyring

February 12, 2016

Learned a little more about what a good man Tony is today at his service. Sure love his good family.

Charlotte Mortensen

February 11, 2016

We appreciated being neighbors for many years to the Gonzalez family. Tony was always friendly to us. He was an honorable man and thankful to have known him!
Our love and condolences to Lucy and the family...
Charlotte and Marvin

Shelley Guthrie Tiffany

February 11, 2016

He was a giant of a man and together, with Lucy, raised a wonderful family. May you all find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Lori ELLIOTT

February 11, 2016

Tony was such a gentle giant among family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Will be hoping he greets me whenever it is my turn to return to my heavenly home! Love to all the Gonzalez family!

Miguel Gonzalez

February 11, 2016

A man i didn't know but was loved by many reast in place

Diane Earlywine e

February 11, 2016

He was always smiling and so very kind to me. He will really be missed. I am sorry I can nor make it down for the funeral. My love to all the family.

Ray Santiago

February 10, 2016

I will never forget the family trips like the Grumman and PBA picnics with the Gonzalez Family, as well as the trip we took to Arizona when I was a teenager. Uncle Tony was one of my heroes growing up because he was a Police Officer. I took the name Anthony for my confirmation and Uncle Tony was my sponsor. He was definitely one of the reasons I chose to work in law enforcement myself. In fact, I sent him a graduation picture from the academy and wrote on the back 'I follow in your footsteps'. I thank you for your many years of dedicated service in NYC and Arizona. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gonzalez Family. Love, Ray Jr.

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Memorial Events
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Feb

12

Funeral service

9:00 a.m.

LDS Church

1415 East Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ

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