Edward Arnold Gonzales

Oldest son of Ernie and Lila Gonzales (Sanchez), as a child he was adored by his older sisters and always looked up to by his younger brother. Raised on the Westside of San Bernardino, his youth was filled with family, baseball, and summer vacations to Ensenada, Mexico.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1978. After bootcamp and training in aircraft electrical systems, he was stationed at MCAS Tustin working on the CH-46 Sea Knight. Following a successful deployment to Okinawa, Ed received an honorable discharge in 1982 at the rank of corporal. He then entered the civilian aircraft industry only to be laid off when the industry left South California. Always being one to provide for his family, he then became a steel worker as his father and grandfather before him. A loyal employee of California Steel Inc. in Fontana, CA for over 30 years he rose up the ranks to become an Electrical Leader.

A proud and a committed member of his community of San Bernardino, he coached baseball at KKC Little League from 1988-1994 as manager of the infamous Little Dodgers. A team that became a mainstay of the Gonzales family, seeing no less than ten cousins pass through its ranks. He continued coaching at Post 777 Little League from 1995-2002, and finally at Highland Little League from 2017-2019. Guiding hundreds of players throughout the years, always playing the game with integrity, respect, and honesty, traits he brought to all aspects of his life.

Ed was a member of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church and the Catholic War Veterans where he served as the Scholarship Chair. In this role he helped to select and award the annual CWV scholarship to high school seniors throughout the Inland Empire but was always partial to the city of San Bernardino.

Always a happy man, he was never happier than being surrounded by his wife and kids. He met the love of his life Catherine Gonzales at San Bernardino High School where they were both members of the class of 1978. A beautiful marriage of forty years began in 1980, also the year that saw the birth of their daughter Sarah. Two sons Edward Jr. and Jonathan would follow soon after. Although he had to work rotating shifts, he always made time to attend first days of school, award ceremonies, field trips, and other important events. He was an ideal husband and father and was ecstatic when he became a grandfather first with the birth of Reilynn then seven more grandchildren to follow.

Ed loved Chevy trucks and barbecuing for company. He spent his free time traveling, particularly to sporting events. He had a standing reservation to Spring Training in Arizona, and even attended the final game played at Yankee Stadium. When he was not traveling out of state, he enjoyed frequent trips to Las Vegas, and rented a beach house every May to celebrate his wife’s birthday.

His fun, loving, protective presence will be missed by all who knew him.