Jack Gonzalez

Jack Gonzalez, age 81, of Robstown, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. Born in Lares, Puerto Rico, on June 14, 1944, to Rafaela Gonzalez and Joaquin Castro, Jack’s life was a remarkable journey across oceans, borders, and decades, always guided by curiosity, courage, and an irrepressible love for family.

Jack was raised in Brooklyn, New York, where his love for books, art, music, and spirited conversation first took root - especially when the subject turned to the three places that forever held his heart: Puerto Rico, New York, and Texas. Wanting to see the world, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963, completing two courageous tours of duty in Vietnam, serving aboard the USS Independence and on brown-water rivercraft in Da Nang. 

The Navy brought Jack to Corpus Christi, where he met the love of his life, Angie, and they were married in 1964. Together, they began the family that defined his world, welcoming their son Jason in 1970. After completing his military service in 1970, Jack returned to Corpus Christi, where he and Angie later welcomed their daughter Stephanie in 1981, completing the family he cherished beyond measure.

Following his military service, Jack built a respected career as a shipping agent with Richard Bugg & Co. before devoting many years to G&H Towing, becoming a member of the Seafarers International Union. He retired in 2005 after a distinguished career working on tugboats. Retirement did not mark the end of his professional life; he subsequently worked part-time with Home Depot for the next 15 years, a testament to his enduring work ethic. 

A devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Jack was also active in the Journey to Damascus Community. He served as a pilgrim in Journey to Damascus 188, worked multiple journeys, and enjoyed his Friday morning breakfasts with his reunion group. His faith anchored him as firmly as any harbor ever could.

Jack’s passions were as colorful as his oil paintings: playing poker, socializing with friends, attending the Corpus Christi Jazz Festival, listening to salsa music, reading widely, traveling - especially to Las Vegas - and enthusiastically discussing his heritage. He also had a remarkable gift for friendship; it was nearly impossible for him to go anywhere without running into someone he knew or leaving with a new friend. Each year, he and Angie celebrated their anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas. This past year, he finally realized a long-held dream: a cruise to Mexico and Honduras, with Angie and Jason. He was already planning the next trip, looking forward to more adventures with his family.

Above all, Jack had an extraordinary gift for friendship. It was said that he could not leave the house without running into someone he knew. Whether at the grocery store, the hardware aisle, or a café table, Jack greeted the world as though it were already family. By the time he returned home, he always had a new story, a new connection, and another reminder that kindness, offered freely, is never wasted.

 Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Rafaela Gonzalez and Joaquin Castro; his in-laws, Susana and Pablo Salazar; his brother, Jose William Gonzalez; and his sister, Lucy Cerillo.

 He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Angie Gonzalez; his son, Jason Gonzalez; his daughter, Stephanie Seevers; his son-in-law, Scott Seevers; his grandsons, Scott Seevers Jr. and Samuel Seevers; and numerous nieces and nephews who will forever miss his stories, his laughter, and his unbeatable confidence at the poker table.

 Jack Gonzalez lived fully, loved deeply, and left every place better than he found it. His legacy is one of faith, service, devotion, and love, and his memory will continue to bring joy to all who loved him.