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Henry "Hank" Gonzales

Henry Gonzales Obituary

GONZALES, Henry ''Hank''
Born on May 4, 1929, passed away unexpectedly December 8, 2004. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother who always had a smile and a joke for everyone. Hank was a faithful 49'er fan and proud member of the Plumbers' and Pipe Fitters' Union Local 447. He started his career with Southern Pacific Railroad and retired after 35 years from ITT Grinnell. For the last 30+ years, Hank looked forward to taking his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to his Union's annual children's Xmas party and enjoyed talking to his former co-workers. His neighbors and friends dubbed Hank "The Mayor of Basler Street" because of his kindness and generosity with them and those down on their luck. Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Frances, sisters Maggie Placencia, Mary Chico, brother Frank and his beloved son Anthony "Tony". Hank leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Lupe "Ivy", his children, Rosanna (Jim) Wymer, Henry "Bumpy" (Paulette), Tina (John) Gonzales-McMullen, Diane and Sam, grandchildren, Andre' (Stella), Jimmy Wymer, Felicia (George) Villalobos, Nicole Reyes, Erica Gonzales, Matthew Wymer, Mark Wymer, Martin Cabanillas, and his beloved great-grandchildren, Mercedes and Mariah Villalobos, Mikey De Herrera, James Anthony Wymer, Arianna and Lorenzo Gonzales. He is also survived by his sister, Maize (Ruben) Blanco, Carmen, brothers, John, Ralph (Hope), David "Lulu" (Linda) and numerous nieces and nephews. A native of Chicago, Illinois aged 75 years. Friends are welcome for visitation Tuesday, December 14, 2004 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at the GEORGE L. KLUMPP CHAPEL OF FLOWERS, Riverside Boulevard and 2nd Avenue. Friends are also welcome for final viewing Wednesday from 8:30 AM To 9:30 AM at KLUMPP'S CHAPEL, then to St. Joseph Church, 1717 El Monte Avenue, North Sacramento, CA, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery.

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

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Dec. 12 to Dec. 13, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Gonzales

Sponsored by his daughter Tina.

46 Entries

May 4, 2010

Happy Birthday Grandpa!! We wish you were here to celebrate! We miss you very much and think about you everyday!We love you and you are always in our hearts!
Love - Nikki, Jesse and Juliana

May 4, 2010

Happy Birthday Grandpa! We wish you were here to celebrate!! We miss you very much and think about you everyday!! You are always in our hearts!

Love – Nikki, Jesse and Juliana

Felicia Villalobos

May 4, 2010

Happy birthday to the one man that I could always depend on! I love & miss you so much! Mercedes cried all day yesterday on her birthday. The days you shared together with my children were priceless & I'm thankful for having you in my life! Sending kisses & hugs your way!

Felicia Villalobos

December 8, 2009

Daddy - It was 5 years ago today that your spirit left your body...almost to the exact time that I received the call in Florida. Things have changed so much. This year has been a difficult one but I am a much stronger person because of it. Mercedes is doing as best her teenage self can do and Mariah is just a gem. They are both very independant and strong young ladies. They stand up for themselves and make me proud everyday. George is such a loving husband , father and man. He too misses you so much...the relationship he had with you that he missed out on with his own grandfather due to living so far away. He put your 49er stocking up and lights your christmas tree everynight, right next to your candle. My heart just aches for you. There will never be another you - AMOR DEL REY - love you with every beat of my heart - TITA

nikki hafar

November 6, 2009

Grandpa! The day you left us is almost upon us and I have missed you so much. A lot has changed and the family has not been the same since you been gone. I still think about you everyday and wish you were here to see my beautiful daughter Juliana. She would have just loved you and you would have been her hero like you were mine! The only thing that keeps me at peace is knowing you are in heaven protecting us here on earth. I love you! xxoo nikki

Phyllis Gonzales

December 8, 2008

Nino,

I will never forget the phone call I got 4 years ago today that you passed away. Yet it doesn't seem that long ago. Miss you and will always think about you..

Love Your Goddaughter

Tita Villalobos

December 5, 2008

Dad - As the time comes near to the last day you were here with us I can't help but fall apart. I try so hard not to cry in front of my kids or at work or even when I am watching a tv show that reminds me of you. It is just so hard. I try and make the best out of life since I am still here to live it. But I feel so alone sometimes. I love you very much and will write to you again soon.

Felicia Villalobos

December 2, 2007

Dad - It is coming up on the anniversary of the last time you were here with us. I remember it like it was yesterday. You and my girls decorating the Christmas tree, you slipping them money for our vacation we were taking...for once with out you. Seems as if I have been on that same vacation since that day. I can hear my mom's voice tremble on the phone and feel grandma's heart as it broke. I miss you so much that these words are just pouring out with tears. There will never be another you daddy. You would be so proud of everyone. Mercedes and Mariah are both doing well in school, George is doing good, and I finally graduated college. I guess I don't have to tell you, I know you were there. You were what helped me not fall on that stage when I received my degree. Did you see me point up at you and send you kisses!! It is only because of you, grams, my mom, and by the grace of god that I have made it this far in my life. I am a success in life. I may not have the biggest house or the most money in the bank but what I have is priceless. I am happy at home, my kids are in good health, and I have family. ALthough you are not here I know I can count on you to listen when I need you too and give me that little push in the right direction when I need help and can not help myself. You made me who I am, you modeled for me this great work ethic I carry on and that is what has gotten me to where I am in my career. It is also because of you that I continue to challange myself and try new things. Even if I am scared or unsure I know in my heart that you would tell me to just do my best. I live with you on my mind every single day. I am blessed that the lord has allowed me to open my eyes to a new day and grateful that I have you to guide me through it. I am not perfect but I am learning lifes lessons each day. I hope I make you proud grandpa!! And thank you for sending us our beautiful little niece, Juliana Felicia. You would love her dad. She is such a gorgeous baby. You sent us her spirit and the body that she houses. I will help in raising her and make sure she knows about you. My girls like to read to her and talk to her so I am sure they will have some stories for her as she gets older. She is such a good baby, thank you again daddy. I love you very much and think of you everyday. Until next time! Together forever and never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.

Felicia Villalobos

August 16, 2007

Hi Daddy - Well Mariah started 2nd grade and Mercedes starts 8th grade next week. You would be so proud of them. I finally did it dad! I finished my degree. I received it in the mail the other day - it looks so cool. I walk across the stage on 9/15. I will be thinking of you when I do and just know that you are with me. I love and miss you so much. It seems like yesterday when I was watching you walk into the house as me and the kids were saying goodbye to you. My heart aches for you and I will never forget what you have done for me. I love you. TITA

Felicia Villalobos

May 5, 2007

Daddy - It was your birthday yesterday and I miss you so much. I wish you were here. Mercedes turned 13 and Mari will be 7 next week. Thy are doing good and growing fast! I love you very much!!

Nikki H

May 4, 2007

Happy Birthday Grandpa! I miss you very much and I know you are watching over the family. We love you and miss you very much!!

Felicia Villalobos

December 7, 2006

Do not cry for me and do not hurt.
I am not where you layed me down,
Under six feet of dirt.
My casket is and inside is my body,
The one you were used to,
The one you called "Daddy".
But have peace within,
As my soul is free.
All around you I am,
What you feel when no one is there,
That is me.
To my family and friends,
All of those that I loved,
Please know I am better off
Up above.
I am with other family and friends,
Most of all my son,
My journey through life is not over
It has only just begun.

But Daddy today I know it marks two years since you have left.
It was a day I will never forget,
A day I just wept.
Oh I cried, I shouted, I feel to My knees and wanted to know why.
I so regret to this day that I was Too busy to just say good-bye.
You raised me to be so
Independant and strong.
In your house, by your side is Where I belong.
I wish you could see,
All the good I have done.
You would be so proud of me,
In my heart I knew I was
YOUR number one!

I love you so very much dad and miss you with each passing day. I go on and I do my best at everything all the time. I know you are watching and have guided me to do the right thing, even though it took a lot of sacrifices and hard work. I know you and uncle Tony are smiling down on me. Thank you and I love you! Keep those beams of light and luck coming. I am going to need it for the new year!!

Your goddaughter Phyllis

December 7, 2006

Nino,
It will be two years since you passed away this Friday. You are truly missed and you will never be forgotten. Love you.

Tina

December 5, 2006

Dad, Nicki got married and you would like her husband, Jesse. Although the day started out cold, the sun came out and it was just like you were there. All your girls were beautiful and in my heart, I cried because you weren't there. But, I know you are always with me, today and forever. Love you Dad.

Felicia Villalobos

August 4, 2006

hi daddy - The other say we drove by a cemetary and Mariah said that it reminded her of you. She said she misses you. Sometimes I don't know what to say as I am surprised by her honesty. She misses yo a lot and says when she is at Grandma's she can sometimes her you. her dad had on a jazz radio station adn mariah tells him,"Yeah when I got in trouble Grandma Ivy would send me out with grandpa and this is HIS music!" She said you would always be in the garage listening to your music. mercedes is doing well. She is going to be in 7th grade. Can you believe it!! Mariah is going into 1st and she has officially started soccer! you would be so proud of us all dad. We have come a long way but without you none of what I have would ever be possible. Sometimes I just start to cry. I miss you so much and don't have any way of telling you. I feel like no one loved you like me. Although I know that is not true I just loved you the most, next to Mercedes and Mariah. That is how I feel sometimes. Well I better get to bed my birthday is in 2 days daddy, yup 31 already! I love you and miss you terribly!!I will talk to you soon daddy!!! I love you!!!

Tina Gonzales-McMullen

May 27, 2006

Dad, We went to Disneyland again and this time took Nicki. I still remember the last time we took Nicki. Mercedes was not even walking but you held her and showed her everything, like a proud grampa. Nicki is getting married soon and although you will not be walking her down the aisle or holding her first born in your arms, those who loved you will be. Your represented every day by Mercedes and Mariah. The love you gave them, they will pass on and honor your memory. Love you Dad.

Felicia Villalobos

May 25, 2006

Hi Dad~ Your birthday has passed and we took the kids to Disneyland to celebrate their birthdays. They miss you so much. Mercedes took one of your old shirts to sleep in. She carries a picture of you when she travels to her track meets. I always tell her, put your wings on baby, let Grandpa carry you. She just smiles. We are all doing better. Mariah will start soccer just like Mercedes. She is so excited. I just wanted to let you know that you are loved and missed dearly!! Tita

Felicia Villalobos

March 13, 2006

Hey Daddy! I just wanted to talk to you. Mercedes is doing so well. She is running track this year. She sure is fast dad. SHe practices and does well in school. She just finished up indoor soccer. Her track meets are all out of town. We will have to travel a lot but it will be worth it. Mariah is doing good too! She just got her report card, all A's!! She is trying hard to do well, she is such a character. She actually spent the night with Grandma by herself. Mercedes did not want to stay. I am doing well in school too. I have all A's also! I will be graduating in December of this year. Almost done dad. I wish you were here to watch me. You would be proud of me daddy and all of my acomplishments. I miss you so much. What I wouldn't give to have you here. If you were here things would be different. I would be different. I am trying so hard to take care of myself and my family. Some days are harder than others, but I will be strong and continue on. Just as you would want me to. I love you daddy! Talk to you soon!!!

Phyllis

January 19, 2006

To my Nino,

I always go back and look at these pictures and know how much I do miss and love you! You were a great Nino who would always make me and my girls laugh when we go over to the house or when the family gets together. When my Dad and I drive past your street he always takes a look. I know in his heart he misses his brother very, very much. You are truly missed.

Love you always

Your Goddaughter

Tita Villalobos

December 9, 2005

I wonder if you know how much I loved you

Why did you have to leave?

I can’t fill this void in my heart

You being gone has torn it apart

I try and try but this down fall has no light at the end

I can’t remember what this year has consisted of

As it has come and gone in the blink of an eye

I only remember the moment when I was told you died.

I cried like a baby and haven’t had the time to stop

I can fill a river with tears of sorrow and pain

And then look into my children’s eyes and wonder what will this gain?

They miss you and want you to be here

At the same time they know you are an angel watching them, it was your time

They remember the Union Christmas party ever year

You couldn’t wait until that time came near

To see old friends and take your great grandchildren on the stage

It’s written in my heart, on its own page

One memory that I can hold dear

One that happened every year

I could always count on you

All the things you would do

For me, my children, our family

I try everyday to wake up and go about my day

I have good days and bad

Know you are loved and sorely missed

Until we meet again, I love you Dad!

Tita Villalobos

November 27, 2005

Hi Dad - Well Thanksgiving has come and gone. It has been so hard for me and I really try to be strong for the girls. I find myself in tears just looking at your picture. I had ordered the pies in advance from Roma's Bakery. I walked out and put them in my car and then walked back in. I couldn't leave without getting a cherry pie. Although it wasn't really what we eat but I know any type of berry pie are your favorite "sweets" as you would say. I even bought you a donut and I don't know why. I know you are not there to eat it but just like the pie, it was the simple thought. Knowing that you would've ate the whole pie to yourself, and then tell us you could damn it, it is your house. With a smile and some pie on the side of your mouth. You are so missed and loved. I wish you were here, I just am not ready to feel this alone. This year I am thankful not only for what I actually have but for the change you made in my life. If it were not for you and grandma I might not be here. I love you daddy and will talk to you again soon! Con Carino!

Tina Gonzales-McMullen

November 24, 2005

Dad, Thanksgiving is here and although I have a lot to be thankful for, my heart still grieves. You always pretended it was a "pain" to have people come to the house but I know you really did enjoy it because you would wait for us outside.

We did go to Disneyland and as I thought, the fireworks were brillant. We all cried because you weren't there but in our heart, you were. I love you.

Tina Gonzales-McMullen

October 27, 2005

Dad, our first Halloween without you. No one to sit there and watch us scare people. It is not the same. I am going with your baby girls to Disneyland to celebrate Halloween. A new tradition. And when I watch the fireworks, I will think of you and smile remembering how much you loved watching them, laughing and holding the girls in your arms.

I love you dad.

Tita Villalobos

August 25, 2005

Hi Dad - These last few weeks have been really hard. Mercedes started her first day of the 6th grade. She was accepted to the Natomas Charter Performing Fine Arts Academy. She had to work really hard to get in. You would be so proud of her. She loves it and is enjoying being a kid. She is playing soccer again. I remember you liked to be at all her games. You and Grandma were her cheerleaders. I remember her giving you one of her trophies to keep in your room. That you did, like a shrine. And now that is what we do. We keep your pictures everywhere. I feel your presence and hear your heavy feet hit the floor as you walk down the hallway. Everytime I was sick I stayed with you, at your house. I remember you looking through the crack of grandma's bedroom door. How much that meant to me. You would always check in on us like that. It's funny the things you miss about someone once they are gone. All the memories and feelings come rushing back in a flood of emotion and tears. It has been 8 months since you joined Tony up in the clouds. Mariah says that you come and visit her in her dreams and that at night when everyone is asleep she gets up and plays dolls with you in her room. She is so innocent, she knows in her heart you are here and I have no doubt that you visit us. I can't help but dwell on the what if's. What if we never went to Florida, what if we found you earlier. You left me so lonely and heart broken. I miss you so much. It really hit me hard when I walked Mariah into school for her 1st day of Kindergarden and you were not there. She called and talked to Grandma but man was it hard. You were there for ever part of my life. All of my milestones in my life and those of Mercedes. Her birth,babtism,birthdays, vacations, school, sports, and just to love her. You are so greatly missed my heart aches some days so bad I hide it with a smile. I smile and remember what you would be telling me right now. Don't cry mija, I'm better off than you, in the big house. No problems, no worries. I could picture your half grin. I just can't let go nor will I ever. I love you and will talk to you again soon Daddy.

Me and my Daddy

Felicia Villalobos

August 8, 2005

Hi Dad~ How I missed you so on my special day. I turned 30. Can you believe it! I made sure everyone knew you were with me and I put a picture of you and me on my invitations. Everyone liked them. I felt your prescence. Ofcourse when we were getting ready to cut the cake, your favorite part. The table in the back of the yard fell as if you were saying, "Don't forget my piece!" I cried all morning and before I went to sleep. I wish you were here. I want to be with you, I miss you so much. I know I have to be strong for my girls but oh how it hurts. You were suxch a huge part of my life. You were a straight talker, you told it like it was with nothing in between. I remember the last time I talked to you I remember thinking that I was too busy to take the kids to see you before we went on vacation. I had too much to do. How I have regreted that decision. All you ever wanted was to spoil the kids and take care of us. I never got to tell you how much I love you. To this day that was the biggest mistake I made. Not appreciateing you more. I always took care of you though, remember when I stayed up 26 hours to make sure you were seen by a doctor at the emergency room in October. Do you remember we were there to take care of you and mom. Me, George , the girls, and my twins. We were all so worried and then after a couple of days you were back at home. My mom was so nervous she backed Grandma's car into a parking pole. Grandma didn't even get mad, she was just happy to have you home. Mercedes still sleeps in your shirts like I did when I was her age. She said the used to smell like you so she would just keep wearing them. The kids love you and miss you. I just wanted to let you know that I felt it, your presence on my day. My life will never be the same with out you. I always loved you daddy and all you did for me and my family. You will forever be on my mind and in my heart. Te quiero mucho Tata!

Tita

August 8, 2005

Dad can you hear me?

Do you know how much I miss you

How much I think about you

I remember having to watch you all the time

Like a child

Dad put your jacket on

Get inside the house

Dad wipe your mouth

Dad don’t chase the car

Put some shoes on

You never listened to anyone

You sang your own song

Danced to your own tune

I feel so bad, I loved you so much

What I wouldn’t give to have you here again

To give you a haircut

Bring you your sweets, or fix something that you broke

When you died - so did a part of my soul

You made me who I was, who my children wanted to be with

Your house was the safest place in the world

The only place that I wanted to be

Now it is empty - cold

There is no laughter, no warmth

But there will always be love

I have you in my heart and I will talk to you in my dreams

I will make you proud

I will make you shine

I will keep you close to me

Then, Now, and Always

Saint Joseph Catholic Church-Dec 2004

July 28, 2005

Goodbye Grandpa - You are dearly missed

July 28, 2005

Martin,Matt,John,George,Mark,Andre

July 28, 2005

Hank the Tank

July 28, 2005

Florida Family Trip 2002

July 28, 2005

Hank's Retirement Party

July 28, 2005

Mariah & Hank 2000

July 28, 2005

Mercedes & Tata X-mas Show 1999

July 28, 2005

Tata & Mariah X-mas show 2002

July 28, 2005

Tita

July 28, 2005

My heart is so hurt

My eyes cry tears of pain

Did you know how much I loved you

How much you meant to me, my children

You were adored and are missed

I should’ve told you that I love you

I should’ve told you what a difference you made in my life

You were there for my first day of school

My high school graduation

My wedding

You were able to see your great granddaughter for the first time…..on your birthday

We shared every holiday, every weekend

Whether it was football and menudo

Or our traditional Christmas breakfast

Our family is unique, our family is not perfect

But we had each other

We had you

You kept everything in balance

Just to walk in the door and see you start walking towards me

Not to see if I needed help, or even a hello but “hey where are my girls”

God I miss you

I made sure you knew that my kids loved you so much

You were “Tata” - you were the person they most wanted to be with

Now you’re gone

So I tell you “goodbye dad, I’ll see you later” like so many days before

I will roll up my window and remember watching you in my rearview mirror

Walking into the house

You are now in the house of the Lord

You are with your parents, your brothers and sisters, and more importantly

Your son, Tony

So you can watch me, guide me, and give me strength…now and always

I LOVE YOU

Felicia Villalobos

July 27, 2005

Grandpa,

Not a day goes by that I struggle with the pain of losing you. Merci and Mariah still look at the tree in the front yard to see if you're hiding behind it and then watching you walk into the house as we drove away. I miss you Dad. How often I go into the house and look at YOUR room and expect to see you there. Not to say "Hello" to me, but "Hey where are my girls". Your girls dad, we all were. After you passed George and I took the kids to Disney World, your favorite place. When the song "Wish upon a Star" came on Mercedes couldn't help but cry in heartache. Yelling at the castle," Dreams don't come true or my Grandpa would still be here!" Her poor little heart is broken. You were her dearest friend. She had cried all day when we heard the news of your passing. Just crying "Why" and telling me that it felt like her soul was ripped right out. I tell the kids you are our Angel in the real happiest place on earth. She longs just to see you sometimes but can't bear to go to the cemetary. I have yet to go because I don't think you are there. My Uncle Tony would tell me not to cry for him, not to worry for he is in the hands of the Lord, as you are too. I am content in keeping that thought and knowing that you were not in pain and you did not suffer. You lived a good life and we have a great family. Because of you I am the person I am today. You guided me and helped me get through, even if it was just telling me "Everybody has a job, get there early, take your time." I hope you hear me when I talk to you I do it so often I almost speak outloud and in my sleep. I will cherish all the wonderful memories you have given to me and my children. Hank the Tank - Born to Lose, right Dad! I love you so much but one day we will meet again. Until then daddy.....

Nikki R

May 4, 2005

We miss you grandpa and I wanted to let you know that all my thoughts and prayers are with you this day. I hope that you are happy and peaceful up above. Happy birthday and I love you!!! Nikki

Corinne Ciarcia Deacon

December 13, 2004

Dear Bumpy, Paulette, Tina & the Gonzales family -- I'm so very sorry about the passing of your Dad & I'm sure you already miss him very much. My Dad passed away on Sept. 7th so I know how you feel. With your special memories, pictures and the extension of family, may he live in your hearts forever. My prayers are with all of you. Take Care.

Catie Martinez

December 13, 2004

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Gonzales's family and friends. He left quite a wonderful legacy.

Nathan Rose

December 13, 2004

May god be with this family at this time of loss, My prayers go out to all of you.

-Nathan

Phyllis Gonzales

December 12, 2004

Nino,

Thank you for being part of my life. I will never forget you! Love you always.

Your Goddaughter

Phyllis

Shanta & Marvin Roopnarine/Wells

December 12, 2004

Please accept our deepest condolences. In this time of sorrow our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tina Gonzales

December 11, 2004

Dad, thank you for my life and thank you for your love. Your daughter, Tina.

Nicole Reyes

December 11, 2004

Grandpa,

Thank you for being such a wonderful grandfather. You were a great man with great values that you taught to your children and grandchildren. I miss you very much and my lunches won't be the same without you! I love you! nikki

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