Bill passed away on November 24 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on July 30, 1938 to parents Vic and Zel Gonzales. He attended local schools and graduated from Escalon High School in 1956. Proud to be a Cougar, he played football and was a standout pitcher for the baseball team. He also played trumpet in the band, a talent he continued to enjoy throughout his life. He shared his love of music with his children and grandchildren. Smooth jazz was always his favorite.

After high school he briefly attended San Jose State College before returning home to work alongside his father in the family ready-mix business, Gonzales Transit Mix, in Tracy. He married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Ellis, on October 1, 1960. They were married for 60 years prior to Darlene’s passing in October of 2020. Together they raised two daughters.

Bill enjoyed water skiing in his younger years and deer hunting in the Sierra Mountains. Many memories were created at the family cabin in Strawberry, CA, where he loved to take the kids on Jeep rides, teach them how to drive the Jeep, and enjoy the great outdoors. Affectionately called “PaBill” by his grandchildren he was an avid fan of their activities. He loved to attend their many soccer games, baseball games, band concerts, and even the occasional dance recital where he once performed on stage with his granddaughter.

Bill retired from the ready-mix business in 1991 and opened his dream business, Bill’s Woodwork, a cabinet shop in Escalon. Woodwork was a lifelong hobby and he was proud to craft fine cabinetry and furniture for the community. Bill was a true artist and known as a perfectionist. Customers definitely got what they paid for.

Bill was an athlete to the end. He was proud of his many bikes and the miles he rode upon them. He completed three mountain passes of the California Death Ride the year he turned 65. Shortly after that he rode his bike from Santa Cruz to San Diego with his longtime friend, Jim Ennis. He continued cycling into his 80’s, giving it up only when his health no longer allowed it.

In July of 2021 he became a great-grandfather to Kora Jimenez, one of his greatest joys. Her high fives, fist bumps, and hugs were a treasure to him. He will always be blamed for teaching her the word “mine.” Kora loved to tease her “PaBoo.”

Bill is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Gonzales of Riverbank and Karrie Gonzales of Lodi. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Justin York and Emily York-Jimenez (Brian) of Escalon, Sebastian Gonzales of Davis, and James Gonzales-Harris of Chico, and one great-granddaughter, Kora Jimenez. He was proceeded in death by his wife Darlene, parents Vic and Zel Gonzales, sister Jean Quistini, and brother Tom Gonzales.

Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Gonzales family. A Graveside Service for Bill will be held Friday, December 8, 2023 at Burwood Cemetery at 1 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

The Escalon (Calif.) Leader

Dec. 6, 2023