Joe S. Gonzales

In Loving Memory of Joe S Gonzales

Joe, was a beloved husband, loving father of six children.  Joseph & spouse Rosie, Robert, Michael & spouse Jessica, deceased son, David & spouse Lisa, Raymond, Catherine & husband Gilbert.  He was a devoted Catholic who attended mass at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard as well as St. Anthony’s in Oxnardduring his 90 years of life.  He had many people who would call him friend as he met them through his extraordinary life of 90 years.  He was born to the late Jose Gonzales & Trinidad Sendejas and leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and passion for life.

Joe, was married to Rita Gonzales for 49 years, just four months shy of celebrating their “50th” Wedding Anniversary.  His nurturing spirit extended beyond his immediate family, and he leaves behind four brothers and four sisters.  As well numerous nieces and nephews with twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Joe was a local boy who was born in Newberry Park at home on Monday, 17 July, 1933.  He lived on a ranch for some years until he moved to Oxnardwhere he attended Oxnard Union High School, graduated, class of 1952.  Joe was drafted by the United States Army in 1953, where he did Basic Infantry Training at Fort Ord, California.  He then was transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington where he was in the 60 MM Artillery Infantry.  Joe, served with honors two years with the United States Army.  When Joe came out of the US Army he moved back to Oxnard, California.  During the time being back, he held various jobs always working and providing for his family.

Late in 1955 a friend, Pete Ceja asked Joe, if he would like a job working for Chase Bros Dairy located in Oxnard, California.  Since he was a hard-working man, he made sure he would be hired on before he quit his present job and so, he accepted the job.  Joe worked for Chase Bros Dairy for 42 years and was a certified pasteurizer and retired in 1997.

In 1957 he met the love of his life, Rita Estrada (Maden Name) on 22, August 1958 they were happily married.  Joe & Rita purchased their first home in Oxnard, California and moved in the year of 1970.  They raised six children and accumulated many wonderful memories.  They brought family and friends to their home where Rita made so many wonderful meals, while Joe entertained the family & friends with laughter and jokes as he was famous for.  He was always telling you a joke.  That was Joe, making you laugh and giving you that infectious smile of his where you could do nothing but want more from this man.

Joe’s passion was to be a great provider for his family.  Always working and sometimes holding down two jobs to provide for his family, making sure they were taken care of.  In 1973, Joe started coaching and managing his young boys in baseball.  He had an incredible love for baseball and did a wonderful job as the coach and then manager of the team.  Once the kids grew, he watched professional sports and was an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan.  If you asked him who was his favorite player, it would be Steve Garvey or Fernando Valenzuela.  Another passion of Joe was fishing!  He loved fishing!  Though he did saltwater fishing with his brothers, he loved freshwater fishing and was very good at catching bass, crappie or what he loved most, trout!

His passing leaves a void in all of our hearts to all who knew him, but Joe’s spirit and legacy will live on forever. We invite all who were touched by Joe’s love and kindness to join us in celebrating his wonderful life.

The Viewing and Rosary will be held on August 13that Perez Family Funeral Home, located at 1347 Del Norte Rd., Camarillo, CA, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to come and pay their respects during this time of remembrance.

Funeral services will be held on August 14th at Santa Clara Church, situated at 323 S E St., Oxnard, CA. The service will begin at 10:00 AM and will provide an opportunity for all who knew and loved Joe to join together in honoring and celebrating his life.

Celebration of Life, right after the burial service.  The family welcomes all to celebrate Joe’s life!  Fraternal Order of Eagles, 4684 Saviers Rd, Oxnard, CA.  Time: 12:00 PM – 0800 PM.  Food and drinks will be served.

As we honor the life of Joe & bid farewell to him.  We take solace in knowing that he now rests in eternal peace, forever loved by all whose lives he touched.

On behalf of the Gonzales family, we thank you & ask that you continue with prayers for Joe to rest in peace with our heavenly father.  And for the familyfor strength.  To continue with the love & traditions their parents instilled in them.  Our dad Joe, “tough as nails”, rest in peace father!