Anthony "Tony" Gonzales

Jan. 4, 1927 - April 22, 2009

Anthony Gonzales, 82, passed away in Vacaville on April 22.

He was born on Jan. 4, 1927, in Whitman, W. Va., to parents Alfonso and Elisea (Pajuelo) Gonzales, who had emigrated there from Spain. The family moved to Vacaville in 1938.

Tony enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 at the age of 17 and took part in the WWII invasion of Okinawa in 1945 as a "Fighting SeaBee."

After his naval service, he returned to Vacaville and worked for PG&E before becoming part of Vacaville's two-man police force. He then became a Solano County sheriff's deputy and eventually, the superior court bailiff for Judge Ellis Randall. He obtained an associate in arts degree from Solano Community College in 1973. He also worked in automobile sales and real estate during and after his law enforcement career.

Tony was preceded in death by his son Barry, grandson Anthony, brothers Manuel, Angelo, and John, sister Rae, and Rae's daughter Mary Gilley. Along with her husband Ed Perez, Rae provided for much of Tony's upbringing.

Tony is survived by his brother Alfonso and his wife Alicia of Spain; sister Mary Almonte; ex-wife Georgia Gregg; son Mark and his wife Emily; son Corey; daughters-in-law Diane Gonzales, Debbie Zeiger, and Michelle Nelson; grandchildren Nicole, Brittany, Gregory, AJ, Alexis, Brenda, Teasa, Lauren, Lindsey, and Lucas and his wife Krista; great-grandchildren Austin, Peyton, Trina, Noah, and Logan; niece Isabel Perez Lopez and her husband John, Isabel's sister Carmen Perez Ramos, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Until being stricken with mesothelioma this year, Tony lived an independent and active life, enjoying golfing, bicycling, and walking. He could always see the good in other people, and he had a way of bringing it out. He was loved by all who met or knew him, and he was a helpful and compassionate friend, especially in a time of need or to those less fortunate than himself.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service and luncheon Thursday, April 30, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church, 1127 Davis St., Vacaville. Private military services and burial will take place at the Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery near Dixon.

Arrangements are by Nadeau Family Funeral Home 455-7700.