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David Gonzales
1951 - 2025
David Gonzales
1951 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1951
DIED
2025
David Gonzales Obituary
Born on July 1, 1951 in La Junta, Colorado, David was the fourth of six boys born to Jose and Charlotte Gonzales. After graduating from high school in 1969, David enlisted in the United States Navy where he served alongside his older brothers Chris and Joe. Throughout his childhood David was a diligent and gifted student and after his service in the Navy he obtained both his bachelor and masters degrees, graduating Summa Cum Laude, before embarking on a storied career with State Farm Insurance Companies in 1980. His tenacity, intelligence, and propensity to lead, led him to become the first Mexican-American Senior Vice President for State Farm, holding this position for 13 years before retiring in 2012. David was also very passionate about teaching. An incredible advocate for increased access to higher education, he was a founding member of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education.
David's professional accomplishments were second to his incredible love for his family. He was incredibly proud of his two sons, Spencer and Christopher, and loved doting on his two grandsons, Benjamin and Mateo. In 1997, he married the love of his life, Eileen Sborz. Together they enjoyed golfing in Show Low, good wine, the company of their beautiful golden retrievers Tuya and Gracie, and spending time laughing with their family and friends. His kind disposition, loving eyes and infectious smile brought light to everyone he met.
David was preceded in death by his father, Jose. He is survived by his wife Eileen, his two sons Spencer and Christopher, and grandsons Benjamin and Mateo. David is also survived by his mother, Charlotte 98, brothers Roger 80, Jose 78, Chris 76, Francis 68, and Charles 66, as well as several beloved cousins. David was also a proud uncle and great uncle for countless nieces and nephews for both the Gonzales and Sborz families.
Services will be held at: All Saints Catholic Church 1534 N. Recker Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205 on Wednesday January 8, 2025 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital an organization David felt strongly about.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ingrid Gardner
April 19, 2025
David was a wonderful man. He was a pleasure to work for. He will be missed.
Ellen D'Andrea
February 7, 2025
Meeting him in Bakersfield over a bottle of wine.
Tom O'Mahoney
January 25, 2025
Dave and I first met while auditing Auto Claim School in 1988 when I was moving from Fire to Auto DCS and he was in the ADM program, and we were friends ever since. I then worked with him when I was training as an EA in Westlake and he was the DRVP. I remember once walking around in the black tower (Corporate) with Dave, and it seemed like he knew everyone in the building! What a memory, what a smile, and what a great friend!
Doug Smith
January 16, 2025
I met Dave when he was the HR Manager in Tempe. The only job interview I ever had, I didn´t get...and Dave always said he was doing me a favor. He was absolutely right. From then on, he was always by my side, guiding me through many leadership successes and challenges. I always knew I could count on Dave. It was such a precious gift to have him as a friend and mentor.
My thoughts are with all those Dave loved, who will miss him dearly but will always cherish the memories and love Dave gave them. Thank you, Dave.
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Jim Rutrough
January 11, 2025
Dave was a great friend and a super individual. He will be missed by all who knew him. Eileen and family are in our thoughts and prayers
Gil Balderrama
January 9, 2025
Myself and my wife Sharon Paulsen were fortunate to meet David & Eileen in Show Low, Az.. good people and great to have known the both of them.. condolences to Eileen and family. Our prayers are with you. Peace be with you
Melissa Baker
January 9, 2025
We were so grateful to see the Gonzales family again at Benjamin´s graduation party! Dave, as I always remembered, had that vibrant smile and warm personality...just a truly spectacular person. My deepest sympathies are with Eileen, Chris, Spencer, Ben, Mateo, and the whole Gonzales Family.
Thinking of you always,
Melissa Baker & Family
Minnie Vela Slaughter
January 8, 2025
Condolences to all the family. I remember growing up with David. All the childhood games and friendships we all had, the Vela's and Gonzales. Blessings and prayers, May he rest in peace.
Wendy Kwiatkowski
January 8, 2025
While I never met Dave, he and his wife, Eileen, have welcomed my daughter, Casey Jo, into their home for many years while she pursued her master´s degree and continued on t medical school. Dave was an encourager and very instrumental in Casey´s success. I am very grateful for the Gonzalez´s.
Brad Campbell
January 8, 2025
I met Dave in Texas back in 1994. Dave was the Auto Division Manager and I was invited to a new group he started to develop and mentor people. He was so kind and always a great coach. It was easy to like Dave anyone that spent much time around him knew he was special. Later I had the opportunity to come out West to Arizona and work for Dave in the Great Western Zone. Our friendship grew and he was always a very special type of leader with a rare ability to make others feel important and welcome. I had the special treat to work with Eileen also for a while when we were in Arizona and she is so wonderful. Karen and I will be praying for comfort for Eileen and the entire family. We will see Dave again, he is preparing the way just like the leader he was made to be. We will miss him, until we see him again some day.
Jerry Jensen
January 8, 2025
I first met Dave in the early 80s. We were both new to State Farm. Friends for over 40 years! I often felt like an introvert around my good friend, he was so out going and caring and lovable. I will miss him as friend and a wonderful example to me. Prayers go out to Eileen and the family. Jerry Jensen
Peggy O'Canas Masias
January 8, 2025
I grew up with the Gonzales family in La Junta. Great friends and a great family.
Words seems inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for a loss so great! We are sending a warm embrace to all and our love during this sad time. My husband and I will keep the Gonzales family in our daily prayers!
We are going to try to attend David's services today if we feel somewhat better. We are ill the virus, hopefully we'll feel better.
Peace and Love David and to all the Gonzales family.
Peggy O'Canas Masias.
Mark Brandt
January 7, 2025
Dave was an amazing leader, who openly shared his wise insight with everyone on his team. He loved his people, loved State Farm, and especially loved his family. We always enjoyed his "mama Gonzales" stories, which he incorporated into his leadership messages. He was a consummate teacher, with a passion for learning. Whether dealing with a professional issue, or sharing his insights on personal matters, he was a wonderful mentor, leader and friend. We were all fortunate to share our life journey with Dave. Sending warm wishes and comfort for Eileen, his family, and his many friends.
Kelli Foster
January 7, 2025
Dave was one of the kindest, caring and fun people I had the pleasure to work with at State farm. He job shadowed me for two weeks while he was learning all the different departments at State farm. We laughed and had such a good time, but he was an excellent learner and listener. He helped me with many personal problems as well over the years. I will miss him deeply. Whenever we had a big meeting, he was always up at the front, and would give me a great big hug.
Roslyn Bankston
January 6, 2025
I'm saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I pray that he has transitioned to Heaven and that his family and friends will take comfort in knowing that he lives on in all our hearts. I was very proud of viewing him as State Farm's first Hispanic RVP in AZ. He was very kind and spoke to a group of African American State Farm agents (at my request) in my conference room. We enjoyed his laughter and brilliance. He will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Roz Bankston, Agent - State Farm Insurance, Scottsdale, AZ
Val Nache
January 6, 2025
Dave was a close friend and associate. We worked together as peers, then when he was appointed Regional VP, and then VP Great Western Zone. Many fond memories and good times. Marcia and I offer our deepest condolences to Eileen and family.
Vicki Robbins
January 6, 2025
I worked with Dave in Greeley and in Tempe. The one thing that always stands out is his infectious laugh and his smile. He was a down to earth kind of guy and always related to whoever he spoke with. He was a great leader and a wonderful family man. My deepest sympathies to Eileen, Spencer, Christopher and the Gonzales family.
Derek Casebolt
January 4, 2025
Lots of great memories of my Uncle Dave. He was always so loving and supporting of his nephew´s and nieces. My condolences to Chris, Spencer and the rest of the family.
Debbie Smith
January 4, 2025
Heaven gained a great leader and gentle soul. May we always keep him in our hearts as he watches over his family and friends.
Fred Marsh
January 4, 2025
One of my mentors, friend and confidant. He will be missed by many.
Ken & Michelle Madelans
January 4, 2025
Dave was such a nice man and a genuine leader. We are so sorry for your loss.
Arthur Teague
January 4, 2025
Hard to believe David is gone. Too young, too much yet to do. I first met David when he came to Mesa as the Personnel Manager. We became friends and stayed in contact thru the years. When he returned to AZ he joined us for annual golf trips to various locations. The original 8 is now down to 3. Still have some photo's of the group but not the skills to add one to this message. Eileen my thoughts are with you and the family. Above all, David loved his family. I will miss you my friend.
Art Teague
Rick West
January 4, 2025
I first met Dave in 1985. He was head of HR for State Farm in Tempe. Back in the day you had to fly out and interview with the brass. The first thing I remember about Dave was his laugh and smile. But the impression he left me with was behind the smile. Serious, Dedicated, No Nonsense, Supportive kind a guy.
Since meeting Dave we became Friends and he was a great mentor. Even when he was RVP he would take anyone´s call.
I am grateful and respectful of our Friendship, I know his Family will miss him greatly, as will I. God Bless Dave, and thank you for all your support over the years.
Adios Mi Amigo!
Nancy Sborz
January 3, 2025
To Eileen and the Gonzales Family the world has lost a beautiful, kind, loving soul. David made an impact on everyone he met especially his families. Eileen you may not have gotten to spend the rest of your life with him but he got to spend the rest of his life with you and there is beauty in that.
Much Love, Nancy Sborz
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