Benino H. Gonzales

Benino H. Gonzales, passed away peacefully at his home on October 3, 2020 at the age of 95. He was born on February 13, 1925, in Fredericksburg, Texas. He was the second oldest of 9 children and is preceded in death by his parents Maximo and Bernabe Gonzales; beloved wife Hilaria G. Gonzales; children Carlos M. Gonzales, Rebecca F. Gonzales and Julian G. Gonzales; brother Gonzalo Gonzales and sisters Concepcion Gonzales, Romana Perez, Victoria Rodriguez, Rica Martinez. He is survived by his sisters Sally Martinez, Mela Garcia and Sista Melchor; children, Jose R. Gonzales, Herlinda G. Martinez (Edward), Benino C. Gonzales (Rosie), Susie A. Chavarria, Christine R. Maldonado (Xavier), Catherine M. Gonzales, Sandra L. Gonzales and Virginia G. Gonzales, son-in-law Charles Jacobs, 16 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Benino was a devout Catholic and member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church for 60+ years, where he served as Secretary of the St. Stephen’s Men’s Club and did volunteer work around the church. He was a Fourth Degree Member of the St. Vincent de Paul Assembly No. 2040, San Antonio Texas Knights of Columbus Catholic Fraternal Organization. A veteran of World War II, Benino served as a truck driver in the U.S. Army in the European Theater during the early 1940s, receiving an honorable discharge in April 1946. Over the years, he received many achievements and awards; Course of Study by the Board of Education for Tailor I Course, Adult Education Department’s Course in Drafting and Blue Print Reading, Air Force Logistics Command Bronze Zero Defense Award for his Outstanding Workmanship, Certificate of Equivalency for High School Achievement (GED), all while working to support his wife and children. He worked as a machinist at Kelly Air Force Base and was recognized in 1978 for designing a new procedure to straighten flanges and diameters of TF-39 aircraft, resulting in approximately $2 million in savings for the U.S. Air Force in the first year of implementation. After 31 years of civil service, he retired in November 1979. After retirement, he repaired lawnmowers and other small engines as a side business in his backyard, “Mr. G’s Lawn Mower Repair”. He was a pillar in his community and thought of as neighborhood handy man and jack-of-all-trades. He passed down his numerous skills to his children and grandchildren as often as he could. He always went out of his way to help anyone that needed help. He loved making his own salsa from the vegetables in his garden and his own candy with pecans he picked from his pecan trees. He was an avid fan of WWE wrestling and got all his grandchildren involved and watching with him and he watched until the very end. He was a dog lover and showed it by the many dogs he owned over the years, Duchess, Rusty, Peewee, Chiquita and Bessie. He spent days on end outside working with Bessie by his side and it’s very noticeable how much Bessie misses him. Benino loved spending time at his property in Rockport Texas fishing and spending time with family and friends. It turned out to be weekends of family gatherings and outings, leaving many beautiful memories. His love for baseball inspired him to coach his sons’ CYO little league and City adult baseball teams with his wife and children always there to cheer them on. With his wife Hilaria, he cared for all of his grandchildren until they were of school age. He was a man of integrity, pride, honesty and a loving husband and father. His strong work ethic set a positive example for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren along with his generosity and volunteerism. Benino’s example and guidance will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on his community, friends, and family for years to come. The family would like to recognize and thank Guiding Light Hospice for the care provided Benino during his 1 ½ years in hospice. We would especially like to thank his providers Anavela, Vicenta, Melissa, Alex, Adora, Jenny, Yvonne, Amy & Devon for their compassion and care. Thank you to VA staff Evelyn, Kathy, Tom, Justine, and Dr.Tanjuatco. The Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, October 19, 2020 at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Mass and burial will be kept private.

Due to the Covid-19 declaration by the City, County and State Officials, only 50 guests will be allowed in the chapel.

Facial coverings are required to be worn at all times while in the building.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation. Thank You.