Special to the NEWS
The San Benito CISD and the community, at large, is mourning the loss of former longtime School Board Trustee Jose “Joe” G. Gonzalez, who passed away last week.
In addition to being a trustee for 16 years, Gonzalez retired from the Texas Department of Human Services and was well regarded as a volunteer youth coach and the singer for the Tejano group, La Distancia.
Gonzalez was a graduate of San Benito High School. After graduation, he served with the Texas National Guard and later began his 30-year career with the Texas Department of Human Services as a social worker. Gonzalez served as a board member, vice-president, and president during his sixteen-year tenure on the school board.
In a post on their Facebook page, the SBCISD Board of Trustees and Acting Superintendent of Schools Alfredo Perez offered their sympathies to the former board president.
According to the School District, Gonzalez oversaw the creation of new campuses including Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary, Judge Oscar de la Fuente Elementary, Angela Gerusa Leal Elementary, Riverside Middle School, and Veterans’ Memorial Academy. He was an active board member when other district facilities were constructed including the Sonny Brazil Agricultural Complex, Bobby Morrow Stadium, and the operational services building now known as the Jana Kay Landrum Memorial Auxiliary Services Building, reads the post.
“His unwavering dedication for supporting excellent educational opportunities for students, fair compensation for staff and faculty, and ensuring the community was engaged in all aspects of San Benito CISD will be his legacy. A ‘True Greyhound’ in commitment and in spirit,” the Districts states.
“We thank the family and friends of Mr. Jose “Joe” G. Gonzalez for allowing him to share his time with San Benito CISD. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire Gonzalez family and their friends, during this time of bereavement,” the District’s post concludes.
Gonzalez, 73, left this world surrounded by loved ones on July 23, 2024. He was born on September 14, 1950, to his parents, Eliseo Gonzalez and Josefina Garcia, and he lived a life dedicated to his family, community, and the betterment of others, according to his obituary.
After devoting 30 years of his career to serving the people of Texas as a social worker for the Department of Human Services, he worked tirelessly under the Food Stamp and the Community Care for the Aged and Disabled programs, where he helped countless individuals and families before his retirement in 2002.
He proudly served in the Texas National Guard/Army Reserves for 12 years, achieving the rank of Specialist 5/Sergeant (SP5/SGT) and he was a dedicated member of the Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment.
In addition to his professional work, Gonzalez’s commitment to the betterment of his community began at age of 18 when his passion for sports and the development of the youth of San Benito was evident through his service as a volunteer coach for many different sports leagues. Gonzalez served as a football coach, pony league baseball coach, American Legion baseball coach, and was the head coach of “Joe’s Misfits” men’s softball team. He inspired and mentored many young athletes, instilling in them the values of teamwork and perseverance.
According to his obituary, his influence helped bring forth many of the School District’s programs, and helped create and reconstruct many of SBCISD’s schools including: Angela Gerusa Leal Elementary, Judge Oscar de la Fuente Elementary, Dr. Raul Garza STEAM Academy, the new Berta Cabaza Middle School, Riverside Middle School, Miller Jordan Middle School (new wings), Calendrer Positive Redirection Center, Veterans Memorial Academy, San Benito High School (Gilbert Montalvo CATE Building, Science Building, new Band Hall, Choir Hall and Theater Arts reconstruction), Jana Landrum UTEX Building, and Bobby Morrow Stadium. Joe was also known as a strong advocate for teachers, ancillary workers, and did his best to ensure good stewardship of taxpayer money.
Gonzalez was also the founding member of the Jessica Beth Garcia Memorial Scholarship fund, focusing on creating scholarships for deserving San Benito High School Track graduates. He is also known for the countless fundraisers organized for many people in need. From medical to funeral expenses, Gonzalez organized assistance for those in needed, leading to many lifted burdens. “His legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire others for generations to come,” his obiturary reads.
La Distancia, meanwhile went on to record several LPs, and albums, with appearances on the “Aqui Rogelio” and “Johnny Canales Show” respectively. His love of music transcended later in life with his “Ayer y Hoy Entertainment” business that focused on karaoke and DJ services. “Joe’s performances brought joy and unity to many community events, and his voice will be dearly missed,” states his obiturary.
Known as “Pop” and “Daddy” to his children, his family name lovingly became “Grandpa Joe” with the birth of his first grandchild. Gonzalez spent the majority of his life dedicated to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, who learned many valuable lessons from him. “His family will always remember to never judge anyone before you have taken a chance to know them, to advocate for others, to be proud of who you are and what you bring to the table, to always, ‘use your brain,’ and of course, family over everything,” reads his obiturary.
Gonzalez leave behind his wife of 50 years, Maria Elena; his children, Constable José Adrian Gonzalez (Chriselda), Yesenia G. Costilla (Damacio, Jr.), Hilario Gonzalez (Cynthia), and Cecilia Gonzalez and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
Funeral services were handled by Trinity Funeral Chapel in Harlingen. He was interned on Monday, July 29 at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.
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