Arizona Obituary Archive

Search      Post Obituary


Rudy G. Gonzales

Posted 2021-11-29 by mhenderson
Published by Paker Pioneer on Nov. 3, 2021 -
Parker, Arizona
(personal article, page 5)

>> Apr. 10, 1934 - Oct. 16, 2021)

Rudy Gonzales of the Tuscarora Nation. passed away on Saturday, October
16, 2021, at his home under the care of his family and Niagara Hospice.
He was born in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Ruben V. and Carmelita
[Garcia] Gonzales.

Rudy, beloved husband of the late Leona M. [Reed] Gonzales, who passed
away in December of 2020. He is survived by his children Michael
(Loree) Gonzales, Francesca (Brian) Clause, Regina (Walt) Shontz,
Carmelita Gonzales and Lucinda (Sam) Anderson, ten grandchildren
Nichole, Thomas (Jillian), Adrianna, Christopher (Jessica), Brian,
Amanda, Sarah, Walter, Matthew, and Nathan, four great-grandchildren
Julianna, Gabriella, Keaton, and Amari, a sister Carmelita (late Ron)
Bader, also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his furry friend Louie.

He graduated from Kelly High School, Eastern Illinois University BS Ed.,
MS Ed., Northern Arizona University Ed. S and did doctoral work at
Arizona State University. Rudy proudly served and was honorably
discharged from the U.S. Army. He worked as a personnel specialist at
Fort Meade, MD and ComZ Headquarters in Orleans, France. He played
baseball on the post teams both stateside and abroad. He also played
baseball at Eastern Illinois and in high school where he was Chicago's
all-city catcher.

His greatest catch was his wife, Leona. They were blessed with over 59
years of marriage and a loving, grateful family. Both shared a strong
devotion to their family, friends, and faith. Rudy was by Leona's side
in 2015 when she gave a testimony to Pope Francis at the World Meeting
of Families in Philadelphia, PA.

Rudy selflessly touched the lives of many children and their families
for over 35 years as a teacher, counselor, coach, principal, and central
office administrator in a couple of Arizona school districts.

He was active in civic affairs – Town of Parker (AZ) Planning and Zoning
Committee, Recreation Committee. He was a member of Parker, AZ BPOE
#1929, serving as secretary; the Tuba City and Parker, AZ Lions Club,
serving as president and other offices; Neighborhood Commissioner of the
Parker, AZ Boy Scouts. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of
Columbus Council at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine.

His family will be present on Friday from 4-7 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL
HOME, 5893 Hoover Road, SANBORN, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 12:00 PM at
Holy Family Chapel, 5180 Chew Road, Sanborn, NY.

Interment with military honors to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, on the
Tuscarora Nation.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of
Fatima Shrine, P.O. Box 167, Youngstown, NY 14174.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.




See Also: Find A Grave




Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.

Questions About This Project?