Raul S. Gonzalez

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Raul Gonzalez was deeply devoted to his family, his friends, and those within his community. He was the sort of man who would do whatever he could for others while expecting nothing in return. Raul was a loving and devoted husband and father who was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather later in life. He worked hard, but he took the time to enjoy life along the way, and everything was better when shared with the ones he loved. Life will never be the same without Raul here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Life in Spain during the 1930s was anything but easy. They were hit hard by the Great Depression, and they were politically torn between right-wing Nationalist and left-wing Republican parties. Despite the challenges of the day, Luis and Odila Gonzalez were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Raul S. on October, 7, 1935, in Ares, Spain. He and his twin brother Frank were the youngest of four boys. Their older brothers Luis and Austin led them in many adventures throughout their childhood.

Big changes were in store for Raul and his family when his father came to the United States on his own to make a better life for his family. Raul and his siblings stayed back in Spain with their mother, and worked at the local fish market. Then, in 1946 when Raul was 11, he, his mother, and his three brothers immigrated to the United States of America. After having traveled through Ellis Island and going through the immigration process, they joined up with Raul’s father and settled in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Once in the United States, Raul was eager for all that life had in store. He attended Johnstown Public Schools where he learned English and the local customs. At the age of 15, Raul became a United States citizen. After graduating from high school, Raul joined the United States Marine Corps as a young man of 18. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Raul attended Cambria Rowe Business College where he received his degree in accounting. He made a career in the printing ink business for over 40 years. Raul worked for various companies and later retired from Pittsburg Paint and Glass where he was a production manager and safety supervisor.

Not to be forgotten during Raul’s years in college was his introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Dorothy Garvis, and they hit if off right away. They began dating, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Raul and Dorothy were married. Together they welcomed two daughters, Karen Ann and Kathi Lynn, into their hearts and home. Although work kept him busy, Raul was an active part of his girls’ lives. He enjoyed taking his family out tent camping during which they survived it all including rain storms, bumble bee attacks, and even losing Kathi at the local camp store!

Throughout his life Raul was a man of many interests. While living in Lawrenceburg, Indiana for 20 years, he was devoted to serving his church, Hamline Chapel. Raul loved music playing in the house and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. In 2000, fifty three years since emigrating he was able to visit his hometown in Spain. In 2002 he visited Spain again with his family to show them his birthplace and his childhood home. Another highlight in their lives was a five week vacation in Australia. Raul enjoyed recreation with his family by playing cards, board games as well as outdoor activities. Raul was a kid at heart and enjoyed watching animated movies.

Described as a loving, generous, and helpful man, Raul S. Gonzalez was a blessing to everyone he met. He was handy, a genuine “Mr. Fix-It” who was always looking for ways he could use his gifts and talents to lend a hand. Raul treasured spending time with his family, and a friend of Raul’s was a friend for life. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Raul S. Gonzalez, of Auburn, died Thursday January 25, 2018, at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Raul’s family includes his wife, Dorothy (Garvis) Gonzalez of Auburn; daughters and son-in-law, Kathi Lynn Gonzalez of Rome City, and Karen Ann (Ronald) Brezik of Beech Grove; grandson, Daniel (Mara) Brezik of Indianapolis; granddaughter, Sarah Ann Brezik of Denver, Colorado; special nephew, Austin (Pam) Gonzalez of Warren, Michigan. Raul was preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Odila Gonzalez; three brothers, Luis, Austin, and his twin, Frank Gonzalez. A Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday with visitation one hour prior at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Rev. Grant Merrell will be officiating. Visitation will also be held Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Christian Union Cemetery, Garrett. Memorial donations may be made to Visiting Nurse Hospice home 5910 Homestead Road Fort Wayne, IN 46814 or Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66676. To sign the online guest book, visit www.pinningtonfh.com.

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