Joseph Anthony Gonzalez

As they were approaching Needles, CA, Joseph and Ana were struck head on by another vehicle as it illegally attempted to pass a semi-truck. As a result of this reckless decision, Joseph and Ana lost their lives. Joseph and Ana are survived by their three children, Cirena Gonzalez, 25, Joeana Gonzalez, 22, and Joseph Gonzalez II, 18.

Joseph, a.k.a “Joe”, “Joey”, and “Jojo” was born and raised in San Diego, CA by his loving parents Cindy Gonzalez and Jose Gonzalez along with his two sisters, Elena Jarin and Jennifer Berardi. Joseph grew up loving to spend time with his family and friends. Joseph loved sports, specifically football, baseball, basketball, and NASCAR. Joe was a proud “Red Devil'' graduating from Sweetwater High School and he continued his education, receiving his bachelor's from the University of San Diego (USD). He began working at the Sweetwater Union High School District and would teach there for the next 30 years. Throughout his years with the district, he taught at many different schools and had an impact on many students and staff's lives.

Ana, was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in San Diego, CA by her loving parents Ana Garcia and Casimiro Garcia. She grew up alongside her five siblings, Carla Garcia, Daisey Garcia, Angie Garcia, Dulce Garcia, and Raul Garcia. Ana grew up loving to spend time with her family and friends. Ana loved photography, dancing, and was passionate about her education. Ana graduated from Southwest High School and continued her education receiving a bachelor's degree, Magna Cum Laude, at San Diego State University leaving as a proud “Aztec”. She began working at the Sweetwater Union High School District and would teach there for the next 28 years. Throughout her years with the district, she taught at many different schools and touched many students and staff's lives.

Joe and Ana met teaching at Southwest High School. Their love sparked immediately and they got married soon after on December 30th, 2000. By 2005, their last child of three was born and their lives became all about them. Together they would road-trip to Las Vegas, go camping in the Desert and Silver Strand Beach, and eat dinner at their favorite steakhouse, Black Angus. Joe and Ana loved spending time with all three of their children but their son, Joe, who has Autism, took a special interest in sports like his father. Often, they went to NASCAR races, football games, hockey games, basketball games, and baseball games to spend quality time with Joe. Joe and Ana had a soft spot for their fluffy loving dog, Bolt. Bolt always liked to cuddle against Ana’s back while she laid to watch movies. He also liked to scratch and beg for food while Joe sat in his “lazy boy” chair watching sports with his son. Joe and Ana were devoted parents who worked hard to provide all three of their children with everything they would need. They created many memories for them to honor and cherish as they attempt to move forward.

We know that they are watching over their children, parents, brother, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends everyday.

We will love you both, forever and always.