Marcus Gonzales

1944 - 2025

Marcus Gonzales
05/07/1944 - 08/27/2025
Marcus, a proud native San Franciscan, was born May 7th, 1944 to Lee and Sarah Gonzales. He joined Mary, Louis, Patricia, Robert and Elena; Christopher would complete the family 6 years later. He was also surrounded and loved by grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. The family lived in many areas of San Francisco during his childhood. Most memorable was Eureka Valley. He played basketball for Eureka Valley Recreation Center and graduated from Most Holy Redeemer Grammar School, where he formed friendships that have lasted over 70 years. Fond memories of Andy's Doughnuts, Gerty Guernsey's, the Castro Theater, Cliff's Variety and Coy Madsen's Castro Street Garage. In 1960, he met Jeannette at the Wednesday night Eureka Valley teen dance. It was the beginning of a beautiful love and friendship. They married 60 years ago in Mission Dolores Basilica and settled in on Sanchez Street near Duboce Park. They became a family of 4 when Mark and then Michael were born. Ready to become homeowners, they ventured over the hill to Noe Valley. Marcus began a remodel to turn the house into a family home, surrounded by wonderful neighbors and friends. Alysia was born in 1975 and the Gonzales family was complete. Marcus' early CV is a long one: Caddie, Elevator Operator, Carpenter, Folger's Warehouseman, PG&E, SF Hall of Justin Station Officer and Contractor. He entered the SFFD in 1974. Station #12 was his probationary house. Permanently assigned to Station #5, not just a firehouse, it became a second family with lifelong friends-many of whom are here today. Sharing fun memories with trips to Camp Mather/Evergreen, cruises, annual dinners at House of Prime Rib, station picnics, weddings, BD's and so much more. He was proud to see his sons, Mark and Michael, follow in his footsteps to become members of the SFFD. He was very proud to see daughter Alysia get her Masters in Human Development and dedicate her professional life to building empowering and inclusive learning environments for children and families in the Bay Area. Moving up the ranks to Battalion Chief, he retired after 30 years of service to his beloved San Francisco.
His passions (along with popcorn, ice cream, chocolate, and daily visits to Bernie's for his wake up latte) were family first and golf a very close second. Family brought him so much joy. Watching his children grow into loving, caring adults with good health and careers. Then-grandchildren entered the scene bringing a new meaning to life. Paloma, Cristina, Michael, Daniel and Lucia always had big kisses and hugs for grandpa. What pride he had in all of them. They are the future. He was very happy when his sister Elena and husband Jon, along with daughters Erika and Cristina, decided to return to the West Coast. Family memories of celebrations and trips made all the more meaningful because we were all together.
He and Jeannette (non-golfer) traveled all over the world so Marcus could hit that little white ball. Mark and Michael played the Old Course at St. Andrews with their dad. SFFD trips to Palm Desert and Reno with cousin Simon along to provide a lot of laughs. Proof of his skill and a little luck, he "HOLED OUT AT ONE" twice; May 13th, 1996 at SF Harding Park and again at The Private Club at Red Hawk, Sparks, NV on a trip with the Salesians. He enjoyed playing with his compadres and life-long buddies, Gary and Eddie. Playing with Mark at Lincoln, the 17th hole his favorite, he enjoyed the beautiful panorama of the Golden Gate Bridge. Golf every Friday in the East Bay was arranged by Michael. There were only a few fleeting days when he thought, "I should have stayed in bed or maybe sold my clubs", ONLY A FEW.
Sadly, his parents, Sarah and Lee; siblings Mary, Louis, Patricia, Robert and Christopher; many aunts, uncles and cousins preceded him in death. It is reunion time in Heaven. Marcus is survived by his loving wife Jeannette; children Mark, Michael (Rosa) and Alysia; grandchildren: Paloma, Cristina, Michael, Daniel and Lucia; sister Elena (Jon); nieces: Erika (Hugh), and Cristina; and many loving nephews and cousins. The family wishes to thank Monique Calvello for her patience and care. Thank you also to By the Bay Health Hospice Team, especially Cherise.
HE WAS A GOOD MAN
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday October 4th at 10:00am at Saint Philip the Apostle Church, 725 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to SF Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, www.sffcpf.org