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Ronald Sheldon Gonshak

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Northern Arizona University University of Arizona Calexico High School

Ronald Gonshak Obituary

RONALD SHELDON GONSHAK

May 21, 1942 - Feb. 15, 2009

Graveside services will be held for Ronald S. Gonshak, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona who passed away suddenly Sunday, February 15. Services will be held in the Beth El section of Greenwood Memorial Cemetery on Friday, February 20 at 11 a.m.
Ron worked as an educator/counselor at De Anza Junior High School and Calexico High School from 1964 to 1974 before relocating to Phoenix. Ron was very fond of the memories he had of his students, colleagues and years spent at the Calexico School district and would frequently reminisce of his days in Calexico.
He was born on May 21, 1942 in Newark, New Jersey. At a very young age, he moved with his parents to Phoenix where he completed his primary and secondary education. He attended and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University. Soon after graduating in 1964, he moved to Calexico and taught English and Art, as well as serving as a band instructor with the District. He later received a fellowship from the University of Arizona, where he took a leave of absence in order to complete a Master's degree in Special Education.
While residing in Calexico, he met and married the former Luz Herminia (Mini) Santos. While in Calexico, they had their two children, Elizabeth Michelle (Shelley) and Christopher Alexander (Chris).
Ron is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mini Santos Gonshak of Phoenix; his two children, Shelley Gonshak-Peters (Mark) of Phoenix and Chris Gonshak (Amy) of Louisville, Kentucky; sister, Paulette Goddard of Phoenix; brothers, Mark Gonshak of Oceanside, California and Larry Gonshak of Phoenix. In the Imperial Valley he is survived by his brother-in-law, Jaime Santos (Silvia) of Calexico; sister-in-law, Carmen Martha Santos of El Centro; brother-in-law, Sergio Santos (Marie) of El Centro, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Ron expressed a wish that for all those who remembered him fondly, please raise a glass of their favorite beverage in a toast to his memory.

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

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online on Feb. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Gonshak

16 Entries

Sheila & Paul Gelber

February 26, 2009

Heard about Ron's passing and although we have lost touch through the years, extend our heartfelt sympathies to all of his family. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. We no longer reside in Arizona...but memories of time spent with you both will remain with us always. May fond memories of Ron bring you peace at this difficult time.

Jacque Choate del Valle

February 23, 2009

Such a shock to hear that Ronnie Gonshak has passed. I knew him back in the 50's from the Moose Lodge movies and dances in downtown Phoenix. He loved the cartoons and always laughed. He was also one of the best dancers at the Moose.
Not to many years ago I looked him up as by chance I saw his name on something and checked to see if he was in fact the Ronnie we knew. We had a nice chat and caught up on the many passed years. Thank goodness that we had that visit.
May he rest in peace and his memory live on in the hearts of us all. Heartfelt simpathies to his wife and family.
Sincerely

Kathy Franklin

February 21, 2009

Mini and family,

I was so sad to read of Ron's death. I know we have lost touch lately, but we shared many good times together and I will always treasure those memories. May God lighten your hearts in this time of loss and sorrow.

Sabrina Whitten

February 20, 2009

I had the pleasure of being a student,as well as a neighbor of Mr.Gonshak in the big city of Calexico. He will be truly missed by the whole community and my deepest condolences to the family in their loss.

Josue Mercado

February 20, 2009

I was privileged enough to met Ron just last week. He shared memories of visiting his children and about his teaching days in Calexico. It was, and still is, a shock to realize he is no longer physically present among us, but I can see that he will live in our memories for a long time. My thoughts are with his family and friends and I hope they find some comfort in the kind words of those that were very fortunate to know Ron. You will be missed Ron.

Hildy Carrillo

February 20, 2009

I have many fond memories of Mr. Gonshak and his wife Mini. He was a wonderful role model with lots of enthusiasm for the community of Calexico. His students loved him and his friends at the Calexico Unified School District truly respected him and enjoyed him. I can still hear his name being yelled out during local events...."Hey Gonshak!"
My sincere thoughts go out to the Gonshak-Santos family.

Ana Medina-Montes

February 20, 2009

It is a sad day for those of us who had Ron as a teacher in 1974 at Calexico High. He was very much loved and admired by all of us. He was a great English & Art teacher who will remain in our hearts forever. He was a great inspiration for some of us to become teachers and return to serve the students of Calexico

Marcus Gonshak

February 20, 2009

Uncle Ronnie, the best dressed uncle I've ever had. We will miss you. Our prayers are with your family.

Sue Aguilera

February 20, 2009

I worked with Ron at the Department of Juvenile Corrections. He was always ready to lend a hand, seek a solution or find a community connection when we needed it. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Robert McFaden

February 20, 2009

For my friend. The memories will always be there.

Mitchell Klein

February 19, 2009

Ron was such an amazing teacher that made a friendship with the students instead of just going through the motions each day. I will miss him so much.

Anthony Stevens

February 19, 2009

I'm going to miss you so much Ron. It's going to be hard walking into your class very morning and you not there to put a smile on my face and say "goodmorning". I going to miss you singing and dancing in class making all of us laugh. Its not going to be the same with out you. Ron you'll always be in my heart.

Sandy Salas-Kanitsch

February 19, 2009

My heart broke when I heard of Ron's death, I will greatly miss his wonderful sense of humor and joy of life. His biggest treasures in life are his lovely wife, Mimi, his grandchildren and the rest of his family, reading, teaching and just being your friend. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and students! We love you Ron and won't forget you!!! Sandy, "Nurse Ratchet" formally from the PTC.

Eva Esposito

February 19, 2009

Ron will be missed. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

Charlene Dillard

February 19, 2009

I enjoyed his sense of humor in our High School music department (Carl Hayden High School),,,,,I'm glad to know that he had enjoyed such a great life.

Renee Parmigiani

February 18, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Ron will be missed by all. He was blessed to have a wonderful family and thank God you have each other at this very difficult time.

Renee & Walter Parmigiani

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