REYMUNDO GONZALEZ, JR.
Reymundo Gonzalez Jr., 78, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.
Raymond was born on October 16, 1944, in Alamo to Reymundo Gonzalez Sr. and Maria Estela Villarreal Gonzalez. He graduated from PSJA High School in 1964 where he was a proud member of the twotime State finalist football team. He attended Pan American University where he received a degree in Education and a double Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. He began his career as a teacher/ coach in the Falfurrias and Mercedes School Districts, but eventually returned to his alma mater and advanced in his career to an assistant principal and principal. He ended his tenure with PSJA ISD as Assistant Superintendent of Student Affairs after 34 years of service. After a short retirement he returned as an Assistant Principal at Ida Diaz Jr. High in Hidalgo then an Assistant Principal at Valley View Jr. High. He was elected as a school board member for PSJA ISD in 2003 and served in this capacity for 15 years.
Raymond will be remembered for being loud and funny every time he was with friends and family and his funny jokes. He loved to play poker with his compadres every week and had a serious poker face before going All-In. Many times he went home empty handed having “donated” his money to his friends but it was the fellowship spent together that was priceless. And he will be remembered for always wanting to help and mentor those he taught or coached in his years of public service. He always felt that students needed to be treated with respect. He was a firm believer in the three F’s, being friendly, fair, and firm. Raymond was a generous man who loved to help those in need even if he didn’t know the person/ people personally.
There was a little boy at church who Raymond would give a dollar to on a regular basis when he saw him and the little boy would ask if he could have one for his sister and Raymond would give him another dollar.
He was also known for frequent barbecuing in the snow when he visited Northern Virginia to spend time with his grandchildren when they were younger.
Raymond had such an unquestionable love for his family and his daily phone calls to Virginia because he wanted to be sure his children and grandchildren knew they were loved, prayed for, and thought of.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Reymundo and Maria Estela Gonzalez; and a brother, Ernesto Gonzalez.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra Gonzalez of Pharr; two children, Ernest Edward Gonzalez of Pharr, Dina Marie (Paul) Rodriguez of Virginia; two grandchildren, Latisha and Daniel Rodriguez of Virginia; a brother, Felix Gonzalez of Houston; a sister-in-law, Belia (Eddie) De Leon of Ohio; former sisterin- law, Carolyn Gonzalez of Houston; nieces and nephews in Texas and Ohio; various cousins; his two best friends, Cruz Cantu III & Rodolfo Canche; close friend/ former Superintendent Dr. Daniel King; long-time Administrative Assistant, Mary De Leon Cantu; close friend/coworker, Anita Guajardo; and close friends, Caro Escobedo and Carmela F. Alanis.
Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a 6 p.m. prayer service Monday, April 10, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service took place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.
Special thanks to Rio Grande Regional Hospital CEO, Laura Palacios-Disque and Mr. Gonzalez’s entire medical team for their care and special attention.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.