Rudy G. Gonzales

Of the Tuscarora Nation,  passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at his home under the care of his family and Niagara Hospice.  He was born in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Ruben V. and Carmelita  [Garcia] Gonzales. 

Rudy, beloved husband of the late Leona M. [Reed] Gonzales, who passed away in December of 2020.
He  is survived by his children Michael (Loree) Gonzales, Francesca (Brian) Clause, Regina (Walt) Shontz , Carmelita Gonzales and Lucinda (Sam) Anderson, ten grandchildren Nichole, Thomas (Jillian), Adrianna, Christopher (Jessica), Brian, Amanda, Sarah, Walter, Matthew, and Nathan, four great-grandchildren Julianna, Gabriella, Keaton, and Amari, a sister Carmelita (late Ron) Bader, also  many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his furry friend Louie.
He graduated from Kelly High School, Eastern Illinois University BS Ed., MS Ed., Northern Arizona University Ed. S and did doctoral work at Arizona State University.  Rudy proudly served and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.  He worked as a personnel specialist at Fort Meade, MD and ComZ Headquarters in Orleans, France.  He played baseball on the post teams both stateside and abroad.  He also played baseball at Eastern Illinois and in high school where he was Chicago’s all-city catcher. His greatest catch was his wife, Leona.  They were blessed with over 59 years of marriage and a loving, grateful family.  Both shared a strong devotion to their family, friends, and faith.  Rudy was by Leona’s side in 2015 when she gave a testimony to Pope Francis at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA. Rudy selflessly touched the lives of many children and their families for over 35 years as a teacher, counselor, coach, principal, and central office administrator in a couple of Arizona school districts.
He was active in civic affairs – Town of Parker (AZ) Planning and Zoning Committee, Recreation Committee.  He was a member of Parker, AZ BPOE #1929, serving as secretary; the Tuba City and Parker, AZ Lions Club, serving as president and other offices; Neighborhood Commissioner of the Parker, AZ Boy Scouts.  He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine.

His family will be present on Friday from 4-7 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 5893 Hoover Road, SANBORN, NY. 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 12:00 PM at Holy Family Chapel, 5180 Chew Road, Sanborn, NY.
Interment with Military Honors to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, on the Tuscarora Nation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, P.O. Box 167, Youngstown, NY 14174.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rudy G. Gonzales, please visit our floral store.