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Richard Valenzuela Gonzalez - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away on July 10, 2023, at 10:56 pm surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born to Simon C. and Luz V. Gonzalez on February 6, 1944, the youngest of a close-knit, loving family. He spent his life living and raising a family in San Antonio, TX. Richard met his loving wife, Suzanna Garanzuay, at a locally sponsored dance. With the enthusiastic approval of Suzanna's mother, they began dating. After a proper courtship, they were married on September 1st of 1963. In short work, the family grew to three children with the births of Suzanne Yvette, Richard Jr., and Gilbert Anthony. Richard was known by many different endearing names: Richard, Mi Amor, ‘Cito, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Tio, Uncle Richard, Mr. G., Gonzo, Mr. Gonzalez, Sir, and a few unmentionable names we will not discuss. But they were always spoken with love and/or respect, which was always reciprocated. Richard started his career working at Pincus, a distinguished high end men’s store located in Downtown San Antonio. The money was good, and he enjoyed working there, but with the announcement that he would soon become a daddy, he opted for a change. He began working at City Public Service Energy (CPS Energy), which offered less pay, but superior family medical benefits. With determination and a solid work ethic, Richard advanced his career by wearing many hats within the company. He eventually retired after 30+ years as the Director of Human Resources at CPS Energy. During his career, he proudly retained a seat on the US Selective Services Board and was a driving force for the advancement of Hispanic Americans into Corporate America. Richard was a vocal spokesperson for this initiative, which included interviews on local radio and television stations representing our Hispanic culture, utilizing his captivating voice and eloquent use of the Spanish language. Richard also helped others in a less grandiose but more personal way of supporting individuals looking to advance their careers. He encouraged and guided students to consider careers in Corporate America. Richard worked with multiple departments within CPS and other agencies to create opportunities and show future generations all that is possible. He always made time to answer questions, find opportunities or offer a sounding board if someone just wanted to talk. Richard took personal pride in always looking so well put together from neatly pressed suits at work to a fresh golf shirt and slacks at home. Thanks to his loving wife, Richard was always neatly dressed. Through the years, Richard enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family. He loved taking trips to Las Vegas with his wife and other couples to play Blackjack and golf on world famous golf courses. He even went as far as introducing the fabulous lights of Vegas to his children (we will leave those interesting stories to be told at a later time). Richard was a proud founding member of Los Antonians Golf Club. This club sponsored many fundraising events, golf tournaments and dances which included local well-known bands such as “Augie Meyers” and “Sunny and the Sunliners.” An additional business venture included a partnership of a coin operated pinball arcade game room, Slots of Fun, which eventually became a safe haven for latchkey kids to stay off the streets and out of trouble. Being a grandpa came naturally to Richard, and he cherished the roles he played in their lives. His grandchildren will always remember his unconditional love, warm hugs, and lively jests. Lorraine Yvette and Kayla Celeste enjoyed watching old Shirley Temple movies with him and he enjoyed telling them Saspunka and Agapita (Shirley Temple) would be their replacement granddaughters if they ever misbehaved. His grandson, Gage Ryan, did not have a “replacement” since he never misbehaved. As time passed, Richard became a great grandfather to Benicio Cash, Dahlia Luz & Marceline Lorraine. He cherished watching each of them grow and become the proud young individuals they are today. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Suzanna G.; their children Suzanne Yvette (Art), Richard Jr. (Leslie) and Gilbert Anthony (Jennifer); three grandchildren, Lorraine Yvette (Ryan), Kayla Celeste (Jacob) and Gage Ryan (Elon); three great grandchildren Benicio Cash, Dahlia Luz & Marceline Lorraine; as well as multiple grand & great grand fur babies. Private services for Richard have been conducted. In his memory, the family requests random acts of kindness, constant sharing of love, and living life to its fullest. Words to live by...As Dad said in one of his last recorded videos, “Have a GOOD rest of this day, and the rest of your life.”

Tributes

Richard V. Gonzalez

February 6, 1944 - July 10, 2023