In Memory of David Gonzalez

David was born July 20, 1951, and passed on November 6, 2025, listening to the Beatles' “Let it Be”. He is survived by his wife, Lesia Bryant-Gonzalez; children, David, John, Carly, and Lucky; granddaughters, Piper, Natalie, and Daphne; great granddaughter, Andrea; grandson, Adrian; sisters, Margie and Cindy; nephew, John Michael; and niece, Terrie Ann, as well as many friends and family from his career driving a package car for UPS for 33 years at Holloman Air Force Base.

“A tribute from Lucky Gonzales”

It's hard to put into words what it feels like to lose a parent. Some days I feel everything at once, and other days I feel nothing at all. My dad was a special person. Unique, to say the least. He gave so much to so many people, and he gave his family everything he had. I'll never forget what he gave me.

My dad had a work ethic you don't see much anymore. He believed you work like your job depends on it, and he really lived that way. Growing up, I didn't see him much during the week because he worked so late, sometimes past ten at night. He was always providing, always making sure we had what we needed, always trying to give us more than he ever had. He passed that drive on to all of us. We're all tireless workers, and we take pride in what we do, and that's because of him.

It wasn't always easy. I grew up with the feeling that nothing I did was ever good enough, and I still carry that with me to this day. Thanks therapy, right? But even that shaped me into who l am, and I'm grateful for that.

My dad was funny as hell. Always cracking jokes, usually at someone else's expense. My mom fell in love with him because of his sense of humor. Our house was always full of laughter, and that's something my siblings and I still carry with us. He was passionate about music and football, two things that will always remind us of him.

The last few years were rough. He went through things I hope nobody ever has to go through. It was hard on him and hard on our family. As difficult as it is to say goodbye, I'm thankful he's not suffering anymore. I'm thankful he's at peace.

I'm so grateful for everything he did for us, and I know there won't be many moments in my life where he's not somewhere in my thoughts. We had to let him go, but we're taking so much of him with us.

Until we meet again, Daddy.