Francis Angel Gonzales

Francis Angel Gonzales, 86, of Monongahela, PA, a devoted family man and cherished friend, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at his home in Carroll Twp. PA.

Francis, or “Sonny” as most knew him, was born on March 18, 1938, to the late Frank

Gonzales and the late Helen Ziemba Gonzales.

He was a proud member of the Donora High School graduating class of 1955 where, according to his yearbook, he was, “as handsome as they come.” After graduating he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn, and began his 47 year career with Continental Airlines first as an airplane mechanic and then a manager with maintenance control. Known at work as “Speedy,” he took pride in his work and held high expectations. His career took him across the country where he made many lifelong friends he came to consider family. Upon retiring, he returned home to the Mon Valley area where he generously volunteered with St. Vincent DePaul Society embodying his compassionate spirit and love for helping others.

He was proud of his Spanish and Polish heritage and never missed an opportunity to

indulge in its cuisine, often traveling to West Virginia for Spanish sausage that tasted

just like his grandmother’s and dad's or asking his daughter to make trays of

empanadas he could share with his friends. He was generous in his giving and

expected nothing in return. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his family and hanging out with the guys. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life

including feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, sharing laughter with a good joke,

scenic drives, live music, and watching old westerns. He was a beloved husband,

father, pappy, uncle, and friend.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was reunited with his wife Marilyn Uram Gonzales and

granddaughter Katy Chaney.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife of 19 years Sheila Gonzales; Children

Michele Jones (Chris) of TN, Melissa Foust (Robert) of TX, Nancy Gant (Jim) of TX, and Col. John Gonzales (Nicole) of Germany; step children, Eddie, Jimmy, and Nikki;

Grandchildren Mindi Duncan (Dave), Amy Mitchell (Adam), Kristina Jones, James

Chaney, Emily Chaney, Gavin Caufman, Gabriella Gant, Madeleine Gonzales, Michael Gonzales, Anna Gonzales, Danielle Gonzales, and Frances Gonzales; 9 great grandchildren; many step grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Jester (Harry) and Diane Devine (Bill); also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and

Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724)

379-6900 where the family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, April

28, 2024. Funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 11:00 AM, Monday,

April 29, 2024 with Deacon Al Poroda officiating.

Interment will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora, PA

In lieu of flowers Sonny's family suggests that memorial contributions in his name

may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society Monessen, PA, the American

Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Hospital or a Veterans Organization of your

choice.