Frank Alfred Gonzales
February 19, 1949 ~ March 5, 2004
Beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, mentor, and talented musician. Preceded in his father's death (Frank H. Gonzales) on November 17, 2003 and joining his brother, Max Gonzales. Frank was born in Tucson, Arizona. He served in the Army from July 1969 to December 1970 in the well-known Army Division 101st Airborne. He was a Combat Medic in Vietnam and was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He worked for Mountain Bell (also known as US West and now Qwest) for 32 years. Survived by his wife, Esther Gastelum Gonzales; son, Max Alfred Gonzales; mother, Socorro P. Gonzales; sister, Joann Camacho; brother-in-law, Eddie Camacho; niece, Geraldine Gonzales; and other family members and friends. Funeral will be on Saturday, March 13, 2004. Rosary at 9:00 a.m. and Holy Mass at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 6th Avenue and 22nd Boulevard. Burial immediately following at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle. Road. Funeral arrangements by Advantage Funeral Home, 7 E. University Boulevard, 520-624-8685. Published in the Tucson Citizen on March 11, 2004 |
|
Ruben Greenberg
Freddie was a prodigious musician; one of the most talented I have ever had the pleasure to meet and work with. He played in a rock band called "the Travellers", which achieved considerable local fame (he was their drummer-there exists a website devoted to this band). His real dream later on though, was to be a jazz drummer and as a teenager, he impressed a number of jazz greats that passed through Tucson, including Joe Morello of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The draft and Vietnam was to bring his musical career to an unfortunate halt. He was a combat medic there. That is what the film "MASH" is about, but I imagine the grim reality of it all was rather less funny than the film.
I never saw him again after we both graduated from THS, but I have fond memories of him: of the wonderful person and tremendously talented musician. Rest in blessed peace, Freddie. There will always be a place in my heart for you.
David Trejo
Freddie and I were friends from the 7th grade at Safford until his passing. Our last two years at THS we would walk to school together and some times walk home together unless he had band practice. He had such a crush on Peggy Gradilllas and he would con me into going with him cause he would want to walk home with her. The last time I saw Freddie was in early 1971 at the Cedars, I had just returned from overseas and we got a chance to talk over old times. I never did see him again until my brother in law called in March 2004 to tell me that Freddie had passed. He worked with my brother in law at Ma Bell, US West and Quest for over 30 years. He as one hell of a drummer, he loved his music. His memory crosses my mind often of how he used to walk with that little spring in his step and the constant beat that he would tap out with his hands while just sitting and running that sheet music through his mind. Freddie and Dickie Flores come to mind every time that I visit Fort Sam Houston Medical Center just down the street in San Antonio the Home of the Combat Medic.