Leandro Gonzales' Obituary
Leandro Gonzales Sr (Papa), 88, of Spring Valley, CA died Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in La Mesa, CA surrounded by his many loved ones. He was born on Saturday, May 22, 1937, in Thornton, TX to the late Andres & Micaela Gonzales. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bertha Martha Gonzales, his 3 sons, Leandro Gonzales Jr, Ernest Gonzales, & Rafael Gonzales; 4 grandchildren, Michael Lee Maese, Desiree Dawn Gonzales, Leticia Micaela Gonzales, & Christine Katherine Vazquez; 10 great grandchildren, Michaela Noelle Maese, Julianna Marie Maese, Lexie Brianna Maese, Brooke Ava Maese, Jesus Joaquin (JJ) Vazquez, Katalyna Gabriela Vazquez, Natalie Marie Gonzales, Adryna Oliviah Vazquez, Cassandra Valentina Vazquez, & Israel (Izzy) Christian Vazquez and many “adopted” children, grandchildren, & great grandchildren.
Mr. Gonzales worked as a grade checker with the Operating Engineers Union for 42 years. As a grade checker, he worked on many of the freeways and roads in San Diego County.
Papa built the family home in Spring Valley over the course of 3 years. He began building in 1973 and finished in 1976 and remained in the home he built til his passing. The home he built is the center-stone for the family and has seen many gatherings for birthdays and holidays and just family get togethers. The family home wasn’t just home to Leandro, Bertha, and their 3 boys, but also became home to his children and their children as adults, and then their grandchildren’s children. The home currently is home to 4 generations and was an immense source of pride for Mr. Gonzales.
Papa was the rock that kept the family together. Everyone who knew him knew that he cared about them and made you feel loved. He loved his family and knew he was blessed by so many grandchildren and even more great grandchildren. He was always there for each and every one of us and loved unconditionally. He is missed in every moment, but we know we will see him again.
So, in true papa fashion we will not say goodbye, but rather “Salami, salami, bologna, bologna!”
What’s your fondest memory of Leandro?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leandro?
Share a story where Leandro's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leandro you’ll never forget.
How did Leandro make you smile?
