José Antonio "Tony" P. Gonzales

It was by divine appointment that our beloved, José Antonio “Tony” P. Gonzales Sr., peacefully entered into eternal bliss and gained his wings on Monday, August 29,2022.

Tony was born January 19,1945 in San Benito, Texas to the late Refugio Gonzales and Agueda Puente Gonzales. He was the third born of eight children, of which Guadalupe Castillo, Raquel Resendez, and baby sister Agueda Gonzales, have preceded him in death.

Tony had many accomplishments that contribute to the legacy he leaves behind. He graduated from San Benito High School in 1964. Additionally, that year he was wed to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Irma D. Gonzales. He then enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1964 to1967.

Upon returning from his military service, Tony held numerous community service positions such as a volunteer firefighter with the San Benito Fire Department, a member of the SBHS Class of 1964 Committee, and a member of the Board of Amigos Del Valle. For ten years, Tony proudly served his community as a San Benito City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem, and the list continues. He also held positions of employment that served the community such as a police officer with the San Benito Police Department and the United States Postal Service. He greatly loved and took exceptional pride in his community. He would often say, “The community is what makes the City of San Benito great!”

Tony leaves to continue his legacy and cherish his memories his wife, Irma D. Gonzales; his children, Cynthia Cavazos (Arturo), José Antonio Gonzales (Norma), and Deborah Lynn Gonzales; his grandchildren, Priscilla J. Cavazos, Lorrinda R. Cavazos, Arturo Cavazos Jr., Makayla D. Cavazos, Kaila M. Coronado, Serena L. Gonzales, José Antonio "Jay" Gonzales, Bianca Gonzales Ramírez, Paloma Gonzales, and José Antonio "Nunito" Gonzales; his great-grandchildren, Emilio Gómez Jr., Andrés C. Gómez, Lauren Morales, Avah Gonzales, Averie Gonzales, Baby Kasen Antonio Gonzales, Blake Gonzales, Cash Gonzales, Brooklyn Gonzales, and Arturito Ramirez. Also left to treasure Tony’s memory are his siblings, Agueda (Reynaldo) Guajardo, Irma (Cruz) Ramírez, Saul (María) Gonzales, and Esmeralda (Juan) Sánchez; and many other family members and friends.

The Gonzales family will receive relatives and friends Monday, September 5, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place Monday at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Tony will be laid to rest with full military honors at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are José Antonio Gonzales Jr., Arturo Cavazos Sr., Arturo “BJ” Cavazos Jr., José Antonio “Jay” Gonzales Jr., José Antonio "Nunito" Gonzales, and Emilio Gómez Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Joe Morales, Mr. Rick Guerra, Mr. Steve Rodríguez, Mr. Joe Castillo, Mr. Orlando Hinojosa, Mr. Juan García, Mr. Larry Gonzales, Mr. Robert Cortez, Mr. Margarito Claudio, Mr. Manuel Abrego, Mr. Félix Conde, Mr. Gilbert Aguirre, Mr. Joe Gonzales, Mr. Luis Garcia, and Mr. Reynaldo "Teco" Rodriguez.