Longtime Hollister resident Frank T. Gonzales passed away suddenly at his residence on May 6, 2004 at the age of 83.
A native of Fairfield, Mr. Gonzales came to San Benito County in the early 1920s. He attended local schools and devoted his life to being an orchardist for more than 57 years, raising apricots and walnuts in the Buena Vista area of Hollister.
“His favorite thing in life was raising apricots, ” his son Gary said. “My dad was a great asset to our family as we continued to raise apricots on the family orchard after he retired. He was a constant mentor as well as a buddy to all of us to make sure everything was done on the orchard to perfection.”
Mr. Gonzales was a veteran of World War II serving with the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He was a member of the VFW Post 9242 of Hollister and the Farm Bureau. Besides the enjoyable time he spent with his family, he loved to play Pedro and Cribbage with his buddies “as he said to keep his mind active.” He enjoyed salmon fishing off the Monterey Coast with his friends and loved all sports, especially baseball. He played softball until his early 40s, playing for Paine’s Club and the VFW teams. Upon his retirement, he and his late wife, Mary, traveled with the Golden Years Group through the United States, and went on trips to Europe.
His wife, Mary D. Gonzales, passed away May 17, 2002.
He is survived by children Geraldine “Gerry” Doman and late husband, Peter Doman, and Gary F. Gonzales and wife, Patti, of Hollister; grandchildren Brian and Shaina Gonzales of North Carolina, Jenny, Nick and Katie Gonzales of Hollister, and Christopher Doman and his companion, Heidi Ludvigson, of Watsonville; great-grandson Andre Scott Doman of Watsonville; his sister, Mary Garcia, of San Diego; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joe and Laura Perez of Santa Clara; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Emma Plaza, Tux Gonzalez, Annie Postigo and Joe Gonzales.
As per Frank’s wishes, arrangements have been made for private cremation at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Crematory with private placement of his cremains with his wife at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
Donations are preferred to Hollister Post 9242 VFW, The Alzheimers Association or American Lung Association, care of Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister 95023.
