Gregorio Catarino Gonzalez

1931 - 2025

Mcallen - Corporal Gregorio Catarino Gonzalez, age 94, of McAllen, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 12th, at Alfredo Gonzales Texas State Veterans Home. He was born in Mercedes, TX, on February 13th, 1931, the son of the late Jose "Shorty" Gonzalez and Catarina of Weslaco TX. Gregorio was preceded in death by his wife Juanita Gomez Gonzalez, who passed away in 2011. He is survived by his brother Manuel Gonzalez and his sons; José Gonzalez, of McAllen, TX, Sergio Gonzalez and his wife Debbie Gonzalez, of Los Angeles, CA, and Ricardo Orlando Gonzalez, of San Antonio, TX, as well as his granddaughter Marlena Gonzalez.

Cpl.Gregorio Gonzalez was in the 32 Regiment,7th Division, Company B,1st Battalion.

While registering to vote, a man loaned him the Poll Tax of 2.50 and told him to pay him back the following week. When Gregorio went to repay the man, he found out he was an Army Recruiter and enlisted. A year later, while deployed in South Korea during the Korean War, Gregorio miraculously survived a gunshot wound through his head. Not long after, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war for almost 3 years. Gregorio withstood these harrowing circumstances, and upon his return home on August 30th, 1953, was awarded a Purple Heart, the Expert Rifleman,Infantry Badge,Korean Peace Medal, and U.N.Medal in recognition of his bravery and service to his country.

On his return to freedom he married, raising three sons, selling clothes to ranchers and dry cleaning equipment. Gregorio Gonzalez lived a full life.

Gregorio will be remembered for his kindness and love for his family.

His laughter and expert joke and story telling were gifts to everyone who knew him.

A Private Military Service was held for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to your favorite charity in Gregorio's name.