Jerry Gonzales Jr.

1936 - 2022

Jerry Gonzales, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2022 with his wife and two of his daughters by his side.
The oldest child of Jerry and Annabel Gonzales, Jerry Jr. was born in San Diego on February 5, 1936, attended Highland Elementary and National City Jr. High and graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1953. After his studies at Cornell University in New York, Jerry returned to San Diego to continue working at his father's wholesale produce distribution company. In 1957, he married Nona Nichols, a fellow graduate of Sweetwater class of 1953. In 1959, Jerry was drafted to the Army in the medical supply unit and was stationed in France where he and Nona spent two years. Upon their return to San Diego in 1961, Jerry took over the family business, Jerry Gonzales Produce, located in the San Diego Gaslamp District until 1996 when he downsized operations. Several children, grandchildren and extended family members had the benefit of working side-by-side with Jerry over the years.
Jerry was a member of the Bishop's School Board of Trustees, a founding member and President of the San Diego Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and sponsor of countless juvenile sports leagues. Although Jerry Gonzales Produce took priority for 57 years, he also knew how to enjoy life. He had a love of sports and was a season ticket holder of the San Diego Chargers since 1964, San Diego Padres since 1976, in addition to the San Diego Gulls, San Diego Mariners, San Diego Sockers, Del Mar Race Track and Nascar Cup Series. He was fortunate enough to attend many Super Bowls, World Series, Kentucky Derby's and Indianapolis 500 races. Jerry and Nona loved to travel the world but Las Vegas could be considered their second home where they attended numerous boxing matches and spent several decades with the legendry band, The Treniers. Jerry was the unofficial band member to whom they affectionately nicknamed, "The Santee Kid."
Although Jerry suffered a stroke in 2017 that kept him from being as physically active as he was accustomed to, his love for life, family, friends and work never diminished. His generosity continued right up until his passing as he was discussing Mother's Day gifts with a caregiver.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Susan Natividad; and son Victor Gonzales. He is survived by his wife, Nona Gonzales; sister, Joan Maniss; children Shavon, David (Sharon), Carol, Tina, Michele, Lisa (Timothy), Diana, David (Lindsay), Stephanie and Steven (Amy). In addition, his legacy continues on through 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren with 3 more arriving this year.
The family extends their heart-felt gratitude to Jerry's caregivers throughout the last 5 years, many of whom became like family.
Visitation will be held at Featheringill Mortuary on April 8th, 4-8 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life on April 9th beginning at noon at Chula Vista Golf Course. Private family burial will be held at a later date.