A.J. "Tony" Gosselin Jr.

1924 - 2016

A. J. "TONY" GOSSELIN, JR. Nov. 29, 1924 - Feb. 9, 2016 Tony Gosselin Jr. was born Nov. 29, 1924 and raised in Eureka, where he attended the old Nazareth Convent School (now St Bernard's Catholic School) until 1939 and then Eureka High School where he graduated in 1943. Tony was in the U. S. Navy (Y2C) for three years during World War II and attended Humboldt State University upon his return home. Tony married Elaine Johnson in 1948, and together they raised their family in Eureka. In 1959, Tony started the family business, Tony Gosselin & Sons' Tire, and after 26 years, retired and sold the business to two of their sons, Steve and Joe. Tony Jr. was a lifelong member of the St. Bernard's Catholic Church; a 50-year plus member of both the Knights of Columbus & Bishop Armstrong General Assembly 4th Degree; Native Sons' of the Golden West and the Humboldt Historical Society. Additionally, he was a volunteer fireman for the old Hook & Ladder Company of the City of Eureka and enjoyed being on the fire drill team, competing against the other fire companies at that time. After retiring from the tire business and selling the family home, Tony Jr. and Elaine spent the following 13 years enjoying RV'ing in their 5th wheel, traversing the entire U.S., visiting all fifty states and Canada. Tony Jr.'s devotion to the Catholic Church ran deep, as his great aunt, Mother Bernard Gosselin, was the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Eureka after her arrival in 1912. Tony was preceded in death by his parents: Eva Marie and A. J. "Tony" Gosselin, Sr; his sister, Beverly M. Inskip, and grandson Bryan Hubbard. Tony Jr. is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Elaine; their six children, Ann (Peter) Presnell, Steve (Betsy) Gosselin, Paul (Melanie) Gosselin, Marie (Dave) Eberhardt, Terrie (Dan) Cruz, and Joe (Sherrie) Gosselin III; their grandchildren, Chad (Kari) Gosselin, Angie (Paul) Ubaldi, Shane Gosselin; Shannon (Ted) Alves, Travis Gosselin, Amy (Huna) Borden; Kenny Cruz, Katie (Shawn) Maples, Cody (Mary) Cruz, Jenae Gosselin; TJ (Jenica) Gosselin IV; and, niece Debbie Yarish, as well as thirteen great grandchildren and numerous other family members and friends who lovingly called him by his nickname "Grandpa Goose". A viewing will be held at Sanders Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00pm; and a Rosary will be held thereafter at 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, Feb. 13th at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Interment at Ocean View Cemetery (Mausoleum) will be for the immediate family at a later date. Pallbearers will be Tony's grandsons: Chad, Shane, Travis, TJ Gosselin IV, and Kenny and Cody Cruz. Honorary pallbearers will be: Jim Cruz, Elmer Eberhardt, Don Cloney, Len Johnson and John Stopkowicz. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to make them to: St. Bernard's Parish Endowment Fund, 615 H Street, Eureka, CA 95501, or to any charity of your choice. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com under obituaries.