Joseph Francis Gonzales

Joseph F. Gonzales, 55, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at Yuma Regional Medical Center. He was born on December 14, 1956 and was a graduate of Yuma High School. He was employed as a custodian with Pecan Grove School.

Joseph enjoyed spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing pool and was a member of

the 8th Street Pool Team. Joseph is survived by his wife, Socorro Gonzales; daughters, Sarah and Brittany Gonzales; grandchildren, Erick Palacio Jr., Daisy Palacio, Bernie Lopez, Joseph Lopez and Jacob Lopez.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Paulino and Josephine Gonzales; brothers, Eugene and Raul Gonzales; sisters, Gloria Motter and Rosemarie Campeau.

Visitation will be held at Johnson Mortuary on Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with the rosary at 7:00 P.M.. Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, June 25, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. Pallbearers will be: Bernie Lopez, Erick Palacio Sr., Erick Palacio Jr., Manuel Motter, Billy Campeau and Mike Cedillo.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Joseph F. Gonzales. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Joseph was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Joseph was born on Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona. He was the son of Paulino and Josephine Gonzales. Joseph was raised in Yuma, Arizona. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Joseph was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Joseph's personality throughout his life.

Though Joseph was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Joseph was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Joseph worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Joseph was raised with four siblings. He had two older brothers, Eugene and Raul and two older sisters, Gloria and Rosemarie. Joseph and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Joseph was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Joseph was always tactful. One thing Joseph will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Joseph had a number of interests and was an active child. Joseph took part in basketball.

For Joseph, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Joseph was also adept at details. Joseph was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Yuma High School in 1974. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English.

There was one thing that all of Joseph's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Joseph was such a popular person throughout his life. But Joseph was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Joseph was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Joseph was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Joseph was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Joseph was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Joseph made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Mike Cedillo, Mike Flores, Freddy Mendoza, George Mendoza, Carlos Mendoza and Henry Cedillo. Later in life, he continued to be friends with Mike Cedillo

Joseph was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Joseph cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On March 5, 1983 Joseph married Socorro Esparza in Yuma, Arizona. Compassionate and devoted, Joseph worked hard to make his new life partner "Coco" happy.

Harmony was important to Joseph and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Joseph was blessed with two children, two daughters, Sarah and Brittany. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Erick, Daisy, Bernie, Joseph and Jacob. Joseph was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Joseph was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Joseph would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Joseph, and he expected the same from those around him. Joseph was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. His primary occupation was a custodian. He was employed for Pecan Grove School for over 20 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

A methodical man, Joseph enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were playing pool, watching sports and spending time with family.

Joseph was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Joseph was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Joseph played basketball. Recreational sports included playing pool. Joseph also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and basketball. His favorite teams included the Oakland Raiders and the LA Lakers.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Joseph well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Not only did Joseph enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included going to Disneyland, Sea World and San Diego Beach.

Joseph was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Kouchie, Terrier mix, who was a best friend for 3 years.

Since it was easy for Joseph to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Joseph was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2009. Even in retirement, Joseph stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances.

Joseph passed away on June 20, 2012 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Socorro Gonzales; daughters, Sarah Gonzales and Brittany Gonzales; grandchildren, Erick Palacio Jr., Daisy Palacio, Bernie Lopez, Joseph Lopez and Jacob Lopez. Services were held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Joseph was laid to rest in the Garden of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma, Arizona.

Joseph was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Joseph was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Joseph F. Gonzales.