Valente Gonzalez

1952 - 2016

Harlingen, TX - Valente Gonzalez Gonzalez, of Harlingen, Texas, born February 28, 1952, passed away Wednesday, September 7th, 2016. He was 64.

He was the beloved father of his four children: Santiago Valente Gonzalez, Rachela Gonzalez, Rainier Enrique Gonzalez, and Emmeric Andres Gonzalez; the beloved grandfather of 8 grandchildren; and the husband to their mother, Liza Gonzalez.

He is survived by his brother, Roberto Gonzalez (Arminda), and their son, Omar; along with nephews: Frankie, Samuel, Mark (of deceased Nicolas/Kiko and his widow, Yolanda Gonzalez); and various cousins, in both Harlingen and California; and most specially by his own family: Santiago and wife Lily, parents of: Alyssa, Alexis, and Brody; Rachela, mother of Nick and Sara; Rainier and his wife Delia, parents of: Jared, Ryan, and Riley; Emmeric, the youngest; and their mother, Elizabeth Gonzalez.

Valente (Val) was born in Harlingen, was schooled here, and attended high school in Gilroy, CA. He met his wife at West Valley, Jr. College in Santa Clara, CA in a Mexican Art class. They married at the Chapel of the Four Season's in Santa Cruz, CA on March 31st, 1972, and stayed at the Torch Light Inn there. Val's first son was born during the Vietnam War and Val entered the National Guard during the draft times (by advice of his father-in-law). He was then sent from San Jose, CA for basic training, to Leesville, LA. Though he never saw active duty, he continued on with the National Guard for most of his life. Soon after he finished with his training, Val moved his family to Harlingen from California where he worked with Garza Electric as one of his first main jobs. This led to him becoming a certified Master Electrician. He was also an excellent mechanic, having learned from his father, Nicolas Gonzalez. He later worked for General Dynamics/ULA, in Harlingen. He also enjoyed his side job with his son, Santiago, under his own name of: Val's Electric in Harlingen, which was one of his dreams. Val enjoyed going to the American Legion to play pool and hang out with his veteran buddies. He also loved hunting and fishing along the Arroyo and South Padre Island. He greatly loved his children, and was a good father. He always lent a hand to any in need. He will be sorely and deeply missed by all of us and will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 9th, 2016, at 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Final Salute at 6 p.m. at Trinity Funeral Chapel, 1002 E. Harrison Ave. in Harlingen.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home (956)364-2444.

Please sign our online guest book at www.trinityfunerals.com.