Beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle Gilberto González, Sr. (MSgt, U.S. Air Force, Retired) of Laredo, TX, peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by family on April 25, 2024, at the age of 91.
Gilberto was born to Leopoldo Paz González and María Vicenta Rodriguez González on October 4, 1932, in Crystal City, TX. In 1949, at the age of 17 while attending Martin High School, Laredo, TX, Gilberto enlisted in the Army Air Corp and then transitioned to the newly established U.S. Air Force where he remained until his retirement in 1976, after 27 years of selfless service to his country.
During his distinguished military career which included serving in the Korean War and Vietnam War as well as at various military base hospitals including Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Lajes AF Base, Azores, Williams Air Force Base, Chandler, Arizona, Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, TX, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona and Laredo Air Force Base, Gilberto earned numerous military honors including the prestigious USAF Commendation Medal for sustained acts of heroism and meritorious achievement in combat and the Air Medal for heroism and meritorious achievement during aerial flights in combat operations.
After his military career, he continued his federal service as a civilian with the U.S. Postal Service for another 20 years.
Throughout his career and family life, Gilberto inspired respect leading by example with his quiet integrity, steadfast work ethic, an enduring devotion to family and a life of service.
Family and friends will cherish memories of how the military man, world-traveler, collector of cars and music, handball champion and polished pool player armed with hard-earned wisdom, self-assurance and The Serenity Prayer loved to make people laugh. His quick wit was unmatched.
He is survived by his son, Gilberto González, Jr. (wife Yvette) grandchildren Alejandro Gabriel González and Isabel Grace González of Round Rock, TX, daughter Bernadette González and grandchildren Ariana Isabel González, Connor Perusquia González and Dylan Patrick González of Laredo, TX; sister Gloria González (husband Emilio) of Laredo, TX, brother Onofre “Fito” González (wife Lorrie) of Pflugerville, TX and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Juan Felipe González, Leopoldo González Jr. and sisters María del Refugio Uvalle and María Concepción Lara.
The Family will be receiving condolences on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
Visitation schedule as follows:
8am-10am- Visitation
10-10:30am- Memorial Service
10:30-11:00am-Military Honors
The González Family is respectfully requesting in lieu of flowers, to please consider donating to one of the following Veteran charities:
Wounded Warrior Project/ https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Or Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust/ https://cst.dav.org
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
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