John was born in Bakersfield to Andrew and Jennie Gonzales. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1974. He was married to Clara Aguirre from 1976 to 1986 and had two children, (Johnny and Christina). In 1997 John tragically lost his only son Johnny to Ewing's Sarcoma a childhood cancer at the young age of 19. Johnny took a piece of his father's heart with him. His son was very inspirational to the changes that John made to his life.

John worked many years in the supermarket industry and was well respected for his work ethic. John began working with JK Mortuary Transportation in 2005 and continued to work with them until shortly before his passing. John was very devoted to his job and made great friends throughout the community. He was well respected amongst his colleagues.

John was well known for his sense of humor, if you ever met him you were guaranteed to laugh. John was a dedicated Christian and attended Victory Outreach Southwest for the past 11 years.

John is survived by his daughter Christina and husband Josh Huff, grandchildren; Hunter Johnny Huff, Payton Alexandria Huff and Tysen Christine Huff, siblings; Jennie Cisneros (John), Andy Gonzales Jr, Edward Gonzales (JoAnn), Veronica Gonzales, Brother in law Richard Franco and many family and friends.

John is preceded in death by his beloved son John Aguirre Gonzales, parents; Andrew and Jennie Gonzales, sister; Blanca Franco.

Our family would like to thank Flora and Rubi Bautista for your love and support and all of the pastors at Victory Outreach for your many years of support.

Special thanks to Optimal Hospice Care and Basham Funeral Care.

And a very special thank you to Alvaro Quintero aka Wally for being an awesome friend/support system/son figure to John. We appreciate all you've done to make his life richer.

Viewing will be held on Sunday July 16th at 6pm at Victory Outreach SW at 4704 New Horizon Blvd. Funeral services will be held at Victory Outreach SW Monday July 17th at 10am, immediately followed by a burial at Greenlawn Northeast.

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

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Jul. 14, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gonzales

7 Entries

Helen Punkin Negrete Wise

July 6, 2024

Forever remembering you and all the laughter my childhood friend . R.I.P.

Gilbert Hernandez

July 17, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Gonzales family. My Johnny rest in peace.

Johnny and I grew up together in the same neighborhood and attended Jefferson Elementary and Washington Jr. High School. We graduated together from East High in 1974. Upon graduation we went our own separate ways, however we remained friends. The last time I spoke with Jonny was the day my mom passed away.

Johnny was a true friend who always made one smile even under the most difficult circumstances. Johnny met life's challenges with the grace of God.

Johnny was many things to many people. He was a true friend. He was well respected and well-liked. Most importantly, Johnny was a Christian.

My prayers to his family and friends. We had great times growing up.

Ruth Mata

July 16, 2017

My Condolences to his family.I had the pleasure to meet Bro John at VICTORY OUTREACH SOUTH WEST BAKERSFIELD. He was so humble n kind. Always greeted with a smile never seen him mad.He sat in back of us I will surely miss seeing him at church. Gone but never forgotten.We will miss you Bro. John Gonzales.

Debbie Ojeda-Pena

July 15, 2017

Sleep with the angels, Johnny. May God's perpetual light always shine upon you.
Rest In Peace.

Helen (Punkin) Wise (Negrete)

July 15, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Gonzales family. I grew up with Johnny and I remember him as always being so funny and sweet. It's been years since I've seen him as I've moved away.
R.I..P. My friend

Rick Hernandez

July 15, 2017

John and I worked together the in the winter/spring of 1988 I was between jobs at the time and John took me under his wing to get me much needed employment. As I was raising my eldest son as a single parent at the time John put in a good word for me and got me hired along side of him in one of the biggest grocery chains at the time. Long story short John saved not only the day but saved the year for me. I was blessed by him at the time not because I was a skilled person but because through marriage I was his nephew. There is a lot to be said for family and so I would just like to say John thank you for looking out RIP I'll never forget you man.

Elizabeth Gaitan

July 14, 2017

Prayers are with you at this time. One of my favorite memories of Johnny is when I would go to the little store off of eucalyptus to get my grandma a Pepsi he would give me the family discount. Sometimes a candy, ice cream. Rest In Peace cousin

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