Francisco C Gonzales

Francisco C. Gonzales, age 91, a resident of Harlingen, TX, passed away peacefully at his home on November 16, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born in Harlingen on December 2, 1930, the youngest of two children to Anastacio Gonzales and Lila Cordero Gonzales. He helped out on his family's farm at a young age and learned the discipline of hard work, honesty and good Christian values, all of which, he instilled in his family.

Francisco married the love of his life Petra Salazar Gonzales. His dream was to own a farm and become a farmer as his father before him had, a dream he and Petra worked tirelessly to achieve. Throughout his lifetime he was known for the beautiful cotton fields, crops of sorghum as well as citrus and mango trees, which he was so proud of and joyfully shared with all. Francisco was married to Petra Salazar Gonzales for 72 years before her death and was blessed with his greatest harvest that he was most proud of, his five children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He was blessed with his children: Francisco S. Gonzales Jr.,Yolanda Aguilar (Juan), Gustavo S. Gonzales (Diana), Belinda Zuniga (Porfirio), Yvonne Gonzales(Robert), and special daughter-in-law Olga Kizer(Jerry).

He was also blessed with 14 Grandchildren: Michelle Yvette Avila (Ruben), Melissa Ann Darden (Eric), Frank Gonzales, Sandra Aguilar (Robert), Juan Javier Aguilar (Terry), Cesar Gabriel Aguilar (Karla), Jennifer Diane Flores (Kristopher), Lauri Ann Torres (Eliut), Justin Andrew Zuniga (Melanie), Krystle Erin Zuniga Dietz (Nick), Kaycee Alena Liendo (Raul), Larissa Yvonne Patten (Kelly), Alyssa Yvette Garcia (Joel), Patrissa Lynn Iriawan (Hengky).

He had 18 Great-Grandchildren: Elizandro Ricardo Cortez (Delia), Lauren Deann Cortez, Jacob Ray Cortez (Ana), Ryan Gabrielle Gonzales, Taylor Brooke Brunt (Steven), Lauren Alysse Campbell, Christian Andrew Torres, Ian Kyler Gonzales, Violet Hutchins, Heaven Hutchins, Jaiden Skye Aguilar, Bianca Rain Aguilar, Kaleb Jadon Flores, Evan Noel Flores, Selah Elise Flores, Evangeline Nur Iriawan, Henry Iriawan, Everly Lynn Iriawan.

He also had 10 Great-Great-Grandchildren: Sean Alexandro Cortez, Emma Mikaela Cortez, Adam Scott Cortez, Levi Campbell Newman, Nathan Isaiah Salas, Colton Elijah Salas, Alejandro Nikolas Pena, Andrew Armani Pena, Ayden Elizandro Pena, Natalie Rhae Cortez.

He also touched the lives of his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

His passing is preceded by his parents, sister Maria, his uncle Ascension, and his loving wife Petra.

He was a man of few words, but filled with wisdom and intelligence. When he spoke you hung onto every word, because you knew something impactful was about to be shared. He had profound love for his family. So much so, that early on he began a tradition of bestowing a nickname to each child, grandchild, and great grandchild, and in an instant could recall any of the 47 names. He loved spending time in his barn and tinkering with one of so many projects that he had going on at any given time.

Although we are saddened by his passing, the legacy he leaves behind is the story of a remarkable man.

For all his family, he has left a shining example of the importance of faith, love, kindness and integrity. A work ethic that was unparalleled and that all of us can only hope to aspire to. His connection to nature, or the "land" he tended to and the crops he harvested, is a way of life most of us have moved away from. But he remained unchanged, through and through, and reminds us all of what is truly important in life: focusing on what you love is the greatest sense of purpose. He was rewarded with riches beyond words. A beautiful, devoted wife that cherished him, and an amazing family with deep love and respect for one

another.

We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nursing staff at Greater Valley Hospice for their kind and attentive care during this very difficult time.

A visitation for Francisco will be held Friday, November 18, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home, 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, Texas 78559. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a burial at 10:00 a.m. at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Gonzales family.