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Christopher Steven Gonzales June 17, 1951 – January 10, 2023 Christopher passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023. He was 71 years old. Born and raised in San Francisco, he was the son of Lee B. Gonzales and Sarah A. Romo, and the youngest of his six brothers and sisters. Four of his older siblings, Mary Boostrom, Louis Gonzales, Patricia Gonzales West, and Robert Gonzales preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Elena Gonzales, his brother Marcus Gonzales, 16 nieces and nephews, 13 great nieces and nephews, and many cousins from his large extended family. He will be greatly missed. Chris was most proud of being a lifelong San Franciscan. He was an altar boy at Most Holy Redeemer church and attended grammar school there until transferring to Saint Brigid school where he completed the 8th grade. He then graduated from Galileo High School. Chris worked for several years in the San Francisco Sheriff's Department of Corrections. Later, he worked as a San Francisco Muni driver, a job that afforded him the opportunity to drive in neighborhoods of his beloved San Francisco while meeting and talking with the public. He was known for his friendly and patient manner in dealing with persons of all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. He was recognized as Muni Driver of the Year in 1994, both for his skill as a safe, punctual driver and for the friendly and helpful service he gave to his passengers. Chris enjoyed his bachelor life, enabling him to travel to Europe in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. He loved dancing, dating, and entertaining friends and family by treating them to expensive meals in San Francisco. He was a wine connoisseur who shared his love of wines by gifting fine wines to friends and family. He was generous, tipping anyone who provided him with good service. For several years after he retired, he ate almost daily at his favorite restaurant “Original Joes” in North Beach where the Duggan owners, Marie and John, befriended him. He became such a memorable client, well known to the staff, that a photo of him hangs in the alcove there. He was an avid pool player, loved studying and gambling on horse races, and viewing and wagering on sports events. He loved and was proud of his large family of siblings, their spouses, and their children. Chris had many friends, but his strongest bond was with his best friend George Murray, who was like a brother to him. George supported him through his illnesses and honored Christopher’s wish to be cared for at home even as Chris bravely faced his ailments of Epilepsy and Parkinson. A funeral mass will be held at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church at 10:00am February 17, 2023, located at 475 East I Street, Benicia, CA 94510. A burial service will follow the funeral mass in St. Dominic’s Cemetery. Donations to The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) can be made in Christopher’s name (https://www.apdaparkinson.org).

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Christopher Gonzales

June 17, 1951 - January 10, 2023