Timeline for Gilberto Gonzalez
Born: October 4, 1932
Died: April 25, 2024
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
Hello. my name is Leopoldo Flores Sr. I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the family of Gilbert Gonzalez. I did some handyman work for him over the years and got to know him as well as anyone. He was a cheerful and witty person and always had a comeback. I really enjoyed knowing him for what he was and will always remember him as such. May God Bless you, amigo and see you in the next life!!
In memory of Gilberto Gonzalez, Yaya Pastoriza lit a candle
Our love and prayers to you all .....we always looked forward to seeing Gile when we were going to Laredo to see check on our uncle......what a warm smile he had for us .... Big hugs to all...Yaya, Manuel, Shirley, Yoly and Dina .. cousins from Michigan
Thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. I met Gilbert years ago and often shared stories of our years in the military. Rest in peace Gilbert, you will be missed.
In memory of Gilberto Gonzalez, Jesus/Vilma Herrera lit a candle
Our deepest condolences to the family of Gilberto Gonzalez. Rest in Peace Mr Gonzalez. He was a neighbor in our block.(4600 block of Retama Dr) He was a very nice, polite and humble man.We will miss the Hi! and Bye! when we pass through his house. Your neighbors , Mr and Mrs Herrera & Fam.
RIP Gilbert. Thank you for all your talks and our time playing pool at your home. Never could I beat you lol. Rest easy my friend.
In memory of Gilberto Gonzalez, Luis Soto lit a candle
I'm so sorry for your loss.
My friend, so many great memories. I am grateful to the Lord for your friendship and for all this wonderful memories. Rest in peace.
Sincerest condolences to Gilbert's Daughter, Son, grandchildren and family. I spoke to him not to long ago and talked about having lunch and playing pool. I use to work with him USPS and would visit with him occasionally driving from RoundRock after his retirement. Gilbert was a master at Handball and waa in many competition while in the Service to his country . He was a great friend, confidant, man of humor and great advice. His memory was so sharp and would surprise me with his stories about his past. 🙏 RIP GIL, ILL SEE U 1 DAY. +
Date: Friday, May 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Address:
Chapel Service 10:00 am
Military Honors 10:30 am
Phone: 855.448.3997
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.
Hello. my name is Leopoldo Flores Sr. I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the family of Gilbert Gonzalez. I did some handyman work for him over the years and got to know him as well as anyone. He was a cheerful and witty person and always had a comeback. I really enjoyed knowing him for what he was and will always remember him as such. May God Bless you, amigo and see you in the next life!!
In memory of Gilberto Gonzalez, Yaya Pastoriza lit a candle
Our love and prayers to you all .....we always looked forward to seeing Gile when we were going to Laredo to see check on our uncle......what a warm smile he had for us .... Big hugs to all...Yaya, Manuel, Shirley, Yoly and Dina .. cousins from Michigan
Thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. I met Gilbert years ago and often shared stories of our years in the military. Rest in peace Gilbert, you will be missed.
In memory of Gilberto Gonzalez, Jesus/Vilma Herrera lit a candle
Our deepest condolences to the family of Gilberto Gonzalez. Rest in Peace Mr Gonzalez. He was a neighbor in our block.(4600 block of Retama Dr) He was a very nice, polite and humble man.We will miss the Hi! and Bye! when we pass through his house. Your neighbors , Mr and Mrs Herrera & Fam.
RIP Gilbert. Thank you for all your talks and our time playing pool at your home. Never could I beat you lol. Rest easy my friend.
In memory of Gilberto Gonzalez, Luis Soto lit a candle
I'm so sorry for your loss.
My friend, so many great memories. I am grateful to the Lord for your friendship and for all this wonderful memories. Rest in peace.
Sincerest condolences to Gilbert's Daughter, Son, grandchildren and family. I spoke to him not to long ago and talked about having lunch and playing pool. I use to work with him USPS and would visit with him occasionally driving from RoundRock after his retirement. Gilbert was a master at Handball and waa in many competition while in the Service to his country . He was a great friend, confidant, man of humor and great advice. His memory was so sharp and would surprise me with his stories about his past. 🙏 RIP GIL, ILL SEE U 1 DAY. +
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.