Nick L. Gonzales

Nick Lopez Gonzales, 80, a lifelong resident of Redlands, CA, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 14, 2018. Nick was a retiree from the Riverside Construction Company, Inc., and was a member of Laborers Union Local 783.  He was a dedicated member of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church (formerly known as St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Churches) teaching catechism, organizing fiestas, and in his later years, singing in the choir with his wife Rosa.  He was an accomplished singer playing guitar and singing with his brothers, and on occasion he sang with mariachis. He was also an active parent volunteer with St. Mary’s Ballet Folklorico of Redlands helping set up stages, costume racks, and commuting dancers to their performances.

Even though Nick was retired, he did many side jobs putting in cement walkways, patios, and driveways.  He rarely said no to a job. Nick was never too busy to visit and help out family, friends, and neighbors.  He was also a dedicated family man and grandfather, and continued his retirement helping raise his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nick always found time to go on road trips and cruises with his wife Rosa.  They traveled to Niagara Falls; parts of Canada; Branson, Missouri; Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota; and the Mexican Riviera.

Nick Gonzales was also a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary “Rosa” Gonzales who is also a resident of Redlands; and his four children, Veronica Gonzales of Redlands; Nick Gonzales (spouse Theresa Nunez Gonzales) of Highland CA; Anna Gonzales of Redlands; and Marina Jimenez also of Redlands.  He has 13 grandchildren: James, Ashley, Victor, Uriah, Robert, Samantha, Chad, Lindsay, Rachel, Karlee, Alexsis, Jordan, and Nikki. He was also blessed with four great grandchildren.  He is survived by his brother Benito Gonzales of Vacaville CA, and his twin brother Gonzalo “Chalo” Gonzales of Redlands.  Nick Gonzales goes on to join his mother Manuela, father Emerio, brothers Frank, Victor, Mercy, Peter, and his sister Santos who have preceded him into eternal life.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church at 115 W. Olive Avenue, Redlands CA 92374; and burial services will take place immediately after at Hillside Cemetery, 1540 Alessandro Rd, Redlands, CA 92373.  A memorial reception will follow at the American Legion Hall Post 650, 1532 Church Street, Redlands CA, 92374.