Robert C. Gonzales, of Leesburg, FL, passed away peacefully at the age of 93, on March 9th, 2024.
Bob entered life August 10, 1930, in Globe, AZ to his parents, Antonio Gonzales and Candida Cervantes, as the third of eight children. He would graduate Globe High School in 1949 and enrolled in the University of Arizona. He intended to become a pharmacist but when the Korean war broke out, he enlisted with the United States Army.
Bob would go on the to serve as a Sergeant Major. He made over 200 jumps and earned several medals include the purple heart. After the Korean War, he served two tours in Vietnam, 1967-1969.
Bob would marry the love of his life, Dorothy Gonzales and the two spent 63 years as husband and wife.
He retired from the Army after 25 years. He moved to Athens Georgia to become postmaster at the University of Georgia. Several years in that position he retired and moved to Wildwood FL up until two years ago when they moved to Leesburg Assisted Living. Robert was a member of First Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) in Wildwood where both he and Dorothy were loved by all. He was very active in his Church. He was also a member of the Lions club, VFW, and American Legion.
He is survived by three siblings Henry (Petra) Gonzales, Olivia Gonzales-Watts and Jimmy Gonzales in Arizona and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy; Sisters, Lillie Keir, Mary Gonzales; and brothers Tony Gonzales and John Gonzales.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Wildwood, Florida on Sunday, April 28th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to First Christian Church’s Fellowship Hall Building fund, Wildwood, PO Box 517, Wildwood, FL 34785.
Both Bob and Dorothy will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL April, 3rd of 2024.
Till we meet again, brother.
