Jose Mercedes Gonzalez

Jose Mercedes Gonzalez was born on June 1, 1931 and died on June 21, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Socorro Avilez Gonzalez, daughter Dianna Isam, son David Gonzalez, and son-in-law Charlie Cessac, parents, Margarita and Guadalupe Gonzalez, and siblings; Manuel, Ramiro, Irma, Socorro, Velia and Hector.

He is survived by his children Jose and Donna Gonzalez, Jerry Isam, Gina Cessac, Lisa and Mark Fiorenza, Rita and Oran Day, Tina and John Cannatella, and Sonia Gonzalez-Sanderson, his sister, Guillermina Montemayor, and brother, Crispin Gonzalez, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jose loved his Mexican heritage and family. His life story is infinite, and takes many eventful twists and turns.  Because of his determination, bravery, intelligence, and pure grit he sought to change his life’s trajectory by coming to Texas at the young age of 13, by himself, to a destination unknown.  He crossed the border by river and by bus many times.  He learned at a very young age that he had to work and earn a living to survive. In Texas he was taught to farm by Ira Simpson and JB Pierce, two men that would aid in changing his life forever. He taught himself English, went to welding school and started earning money to support his family back in Mexico.

As a Mexican immigrant, Jose, was drafted into the Army, served our country and later was asked to become an American citizen because of his service.  He was Specialist 3rd class, paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, dedicated to serving and helping others.  He worked for Gulfport Shipyard, Texaco, Levingston Shipyard, Bethlehem Steel, Gulf Copper, Coastal Marine, and with Mr. Lawrence. He had a passion for cooking and loved to grill, his homemade salsas and burritos are some of his beloved staples.  He loved hunting in Bandera, Texas with his family and fishing in Sabine Pass.  Hobbies included having the best green thumb and loving the Dallas Cowboys.

He was PawPaw “G” to 24 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, uncle to many nieces and nephews, brother, and compadre to all of his friends.  He blessed each grandchild with lessons and wisdom they all take into their own lives today.  We are so thankful and proud of his fearlessness, his service, for being our Daddy, for loving our Momma, and for being a man of God.

Above all else he was a disciple of Christ and equally loved his wife. Jose embodied the scripture “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Not a day has gone by since her passing that he has not wished to return to her loving arms. Having met in Port Arthur, Texas and being married for 60 wonderful years.  Their love was the epitome of dedication and sacrifice. Jose’s legacy will live on in those that he loved, and we hope to honor him how we continue to live our lives.

During his last days he still held on to his humor and had some advice:  “Thank God for everything, and everything is gonna be just fine.”“Take life like it is, and not how you want it to be.” “Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful life, thank you for everything. I am crying because I am happy and thankful.  I love you, I love you honey, Anna I love you, Lisa, Sonia, Rita, Gina, Joe, David, Tina.  Thank you for whiskey and tequila. Thank you, Lord.  Thank you, Virgin Mary. God have mercy on us.” “Best way to peace is respect and no one can hurt a Mexican.”

We can only imagine the joy he will experience upon his arrival to heaven as he is greeted by his beloved wife, children and loved ones.  We love you Daddy for the things you taught us over the years, and the sacrifices you made for your family they will never be forgotten. A special thank you to Gilbert’s Assisted Living (Ron Morrow and Quananda “Q” Green) for loving and caring for our Daddy.  Until we meet again, we love you.

Pallbearers : Joe Gonzalez, Jerry Isam, Erek Gonzalez, Anthony Cessac, Mark Fiorenza, Oran Day, John Cannatella, and James Sanderson. Honorary pallbearers : Zachary Gonzalez, Ross Gonzalez, Alyssa Roden, Kurt Legnon, David Gonzalez, Julius Gonzalez, Meagan Bounds, Collin Cessac, Andy Cessac, Brieann Edwards, Grace Hermes, Isabella Fiorenza, Gabriella Fiorenza, Brett Day, Taylor Day, Mia Cannatella, Sophia Cannatella, Joseph Cannatella, Molly Cannatella, and John Sanderson.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM Friday, June 24, 2022 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Port Arthur. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.