Tom "Gonzo" Gonzales

Thomas "Gonzo" Gonzales, age 65, lifetime resident of North East, passed away on Wednesday August 17, 2022 at UPMC Hamot. He was born on April 24, 1957 in Erie, Pennsylvania the son of the late George N. and Margaret (Getty) Gonzales. Tom graduated from North East High School and served in the United State Navy as a Gunner's Mate. He was currently employed by the William D. Elkin Funeral Home and formerly worked at Welch Foods in North East, retiring in 2020. Tom was an active member of the Crescent Hose Company in North East for 47 years. In his time with the Crescent Hose Company, he served as a Lieutenant, the Captain, Deputy Chief, and perhaps his largest role as Treasurer. In addition to his role as Crescent Hose Treasurer, he also worked as a finance chairman for the North East Firemen's Cherry Festival, making sure that the departments largest fundraiser was fiscally sound. His years of service to the North East community throughout 47 years made him a familiar face for many individuals in time of need. Throughout the years, Tom was always a mentor and a friend, who could be heard reminding people to "always remember why we are here".  He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, and compassionate person who was deeply cherished by his beloved wife of 27 years, Martina "Tina" (Allessie) Gonzales whom he married on August 26, 1995. He is also survived by sisters, Virginia Robbins (Craig) and Sylvia Broadhuhn (Mike); an uncle and aunts, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. His booming laugh will be missed by all that knew him. Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Sunday from 3:00 P.M. until time of a Fireman's Service at 7:00 P.M., and are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church, 43 South Lake Street, North East. Officiating the service is Rev. Rick Maas. Interment, with Full Fireman's Honors and Full Military Honors will be held at the North East Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Crescent Hose Company, P.O. Box 89, North East, PA 16428, or the First Baptist Church, 43 SOuth Lake Street, North East, PA 16428.

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