Joe Gonzales

Joe Gonzales was born November 6, 1932, in Madera, Ca. The first home he remembered had dirt floors. He lived with his grandmother and aunt during WWII as their male protector. He served as Aunt Mary’s chaperone when she was being courted by Uncle Ray.

As a child, he attended St. Joaquim Catholic School and graduated in 1951 from Madera High School. He has four brothers, Ruben (87), Gilbert (86), Barney (83), Jimmy (KIA Feb 66), and a sister, Rose (80).

He was drafted in November 1952 at age 19 and spent his next two birthdays overseas until his release in January 1955.

He was married to Pat Sotello and has four sons, Barry, Brian, Randy, Ron.

His second marriage to Ilene Imboden was in 1981, they have two children, Suzanne and Joseph, they were raised in Whittier. Joe and Ilene have lived there for the past 39 years. He has 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, during his tenure he held various positions in the posts and department.

His last battle was against lung cancer for the last 13 months. His last wish was to die at home. He passed peacefully at the home he lived in for 30 years, on November 25th, 2020.