In the early morning of October 11th Richard peacefully left this world to reunite with previously departed family and friends in God’s kingdom. Richard was 84 years old at the time of his passing and is survived by his loving wife Jeanne of 63 years, daughter Rosemary, son Richard (Rick), granddaughters, Brittany, Morgan, Kelsey and Samantha and great grandchildren Olivia and Trace. He is also survived by his sister Sandra. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Jennie Gonsalves and his brother Robert Gonsalves.
Richard was born in 1941 at the hospital in Los Banos, CA and passed away in Lodi, CA. Richard was raised in Los Banos and spent his young life there until leaving at the age of 17 to join the U.S. Army. While serving in the Army he did basic training in Fort Ord, CA, served in Korea and finished up his military service at Fort Huachuca, AZ. In addition to being a soldier, Richard was trained in auto maintenance and was a military policeman. Richard was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.
Near the end of his time in the military in Fort Huachuca, Richard met Jeanne where they dated and eventually married. Richard and Jeanne moved back to Los Banos in 1962 where Richard worked various jobs including Steitz Towing and Napa Auto Parts until an opportunity to purchase the Texaco gas station on Pacheco Blvd became available. During Richard’s career he owned and operated the Texaco and Shell gas stations and Los Banos Firestone. He spent part of his career working at Toscano Ford in Los Banos and Westside Ford in Firebaugh. Richard finished his career as partner and General Manager for Santos Ford in Los Banos until he retired in 2006.
Richard and Jeanne moved out of Los Banos after retirement and built their dream home in Calaveras County near Camanche Reservoir. When Richard wasn’t at home or traveling in their motor home, he loved spending time at his cabin in Central Camp, CA. Richard and Jeanne relocated to Lodi, CA in 2023 to be closer to family.
Richard had two great loves in his life. The first was his wife and family. He was never happier than when we were all gathered for holidays, card games or just an afternoon barbeque. His second love was working hard. He would start jobs, projects or whatever he could find and work from sunup to sundown. It was not uncommon to find him wandering about his neighborhood or around Central Camp, looking for anyone who needed help with a project.
Services for Richard are being held on November 14th at 11:30 AM at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 W. McCabe Rd. Santa Nella, CA. In lieu of flowers, Richard’s
family would appreciate any memorial contributions to be made in Richard’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).
