Consuelo and Robert Gonzalez

Consuelo and Robert Gonzalez
April 16, 2020 - March 9, 2022
Fresno, California - Consuelo "Connie" Estrada Gonzalez passed from our lives on April 16, 2020, after 89 years of life. Her husband, Joe Robert Gonzalez, passed from our lives on March 9, 2022, after 92 years of life. Connie and Robert were married on April 13, 1952 and were inseparable after that date. They are survived by their three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The light and joy they provided us all will be missed.
Connie was born in San Diego, CA to Clemente and Berenice Estrada, both originally from Mexico. She was the youngest of five siblings which included a half-brother, the eldest. She grew up there, eventually graduating from San Diego High School in 1950. While she was chaperoning a high school friend on a blind date, she met Robert who at the time was in the Navy and stationed in San Diego. However, it was he who was fixed up with her friend. After some conversation with Connie, Robert realized he was fixed up with the wrong person. He got her phone number and one thing led to another. After some happy adventures he went to her father to ask for her hand in marriage. Clemente stated in no uncertain terms that his youngest daughter was not going to marry anyone in the service, especially the Navy, because none of them could be trusted. Robert, in a demonstration of the feelings he had for Connie, left the Navy after his term was up and subsequently received the blessing of Clemente. They were married in Chula Vista, at Connie's eldest brother's house.
Robert was born in Sanger, CA to Jose and Alejandra Gonzalez, both originally from Mexico. He was the third oldest of nine siblings. Robert's family were itinerant farm workers and rather than being raised in one place, he experienced many small towns and farms as his family followed the crops. Being satisfied he had mastered the art of picking fruit and thinking that was not going to be his life's work, he followed his older brother and joined the Navy in 1947. It turned out that he was stationed on the same ship as his brother, the USS Union. He met Connie and made his decision of how important she was to him by leaving the Navy and starting a life with her.
Their unbreakable relationship was their life's work. Except for a second tour in the Navy in the late fifties they were always together. They also made more than one move as they were setting their life's path. They eventually settled in Reedley CA to raise their family. Robert earned a bachelor's degree from Fresno State College in 1967 which led him into the field of education. Before and after earning his degree Robert also enjoyed a variety of other occupations, including being a radio disc jockey on a very popular show he hosted, a sailor, an officer in the CA Army National Guard, a schoolteacher, vice principal, principal, and administrator. He also managed to co-own a farm with one of his brothers and co-own a ranch with one of his cousins. Connie was a homemaker all her life, but also spent many years as a school secretary. Among their life activities they had three children: Susan in 1953, Joe in 1955, and Elena in 1961. That was it, the family was set. They provided the best role models and guidance to each of their children and these gifts have enriched their children's lives beyond measure.
They retired together in 1990, built a house near Mariposa, CA where they moved to enjoy the retired life. They loved to travel; all over the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. First with their children and then just the two of them, though the trips usually included other members of the Gonzalez clan. In 2010 they moved from Mariposa to Fresno to be closer to medical providers and spent their final years there.
The common thread was that you would not see Robert without Connie. You could not imagine one without the other. There were challenges to be sure, but they were solid in their love for each other and that they were with the person they wanted to be with. Now they are together eternally and the memories and love they leave behind will always be cherished by everyone who knew them.
Celebration of Life services for Robert and Connie Gonzalez will be held at the Clovis Veteran's Memorial Hall on Saturday, April 30th at 11:00 AM. A private interment for immediate family will be held at a later date.