Joe Paul Gonzalez

Joe P Gonzalez, 88, passed away quietly at home in Prescott, AZ on April 30, 2018. He was born April 28, 1929.

Joe attended Washington Elementary, graduating from Prescott High in 1948. He also attended ASU studying architectural design but his studies were cut short when he went to work full time. . For 40 years he was a proud member of the teamsters union and employed by Consolidated Freight as a truck driver. He always said "If you enjoyed what you did you never worked a day in your life." Prior to the freight industry he was a communications sergeant in the National Guard for 15 years. As a kid he had many jobs including Shoe shine boy, Pin setter at the bowling alley, and recalled selling newspaper on the corner Gurley and Montezuma on D-Day . During high school he worked for Prescott Dairy. Joe was a hard-worker putting in long hours and always completing the job at hand.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as exploring the back roads of Arizona with his son Steven. He was a member of the Elks Club, the Prescott Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Prescott Volunteer Fire Department, and the Prescott Mafia Club. He also enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his grandson, Christian, of whom he was very proud. If any of his family or friends needed anything he was always there to help, willing to do whatever it took. You never had to ask twice. Joe was a perfect balance of honesty and humbleness. He dedicated his life to family and friends and most importantly his children. His courage and faith in God served as inspiration to all. We were so blessed to have him in our lives and we will forever celebrate his kindness and strength.

He is survived by his son Steven (Hanya) Gonzalez, daughter Judy Gonzalez- Olea, grandson, J. Christian Gonzalez-Carreon, brother Michael (Sandra) Gonzalez, sisters Mary (Alex) Castro, Annie Sanchez, Ruby (David) Jaime, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Betty Olea Gonzalez, his parents Joe J. and Epitasia R. Gonzalez, brothers Alfredo and Roy Gonzalez, sister Julia Borjon and brother-in-laws Poncho Borjon and Bennie Sanchez.

Joe's family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice Compassus for their care of Joe.