Reverend Ricardo Lawrence Gonzales, Sr.

Reverend Ricardo Lawrence Gonzales Sr.


Pastor Rick Gonzales of Aurora Co. Preceded in death by father Robert Gonzales, mother Ruth Vallegos, sister Rhonda DeHerrera, and brother Robert Tim Gonzales Jr.
Loving husband of Rosalinda Gonzales. Adoring father of Delilah Gonzales, Rick (Trish) Gonzales Jr. Traci Gonzales, Ashley (Lonnie Sr.) Alcon and Santos (Natalia Moriel) Gonzales. Wonderful Pops "Poppy" to Tyler Moon, Ricky Gonzales III, Lawrence Gonzales, Ezra Gonzales, Eva Gonzales, Aubrielle Alcon, Rosie Gonzales, and Lonnie Alcon Jr. Beloved brother of Pam (Rudy) Lopez, Joyce (Fred) Oramas, Brenda (Danny) Romo, Gina (Phil) Strain, and Cathy (Matt Novoselatz) Gonzales. Rick is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rick met Rose as a sixth grader at Brown Elementary School in 1970 and this is where his childhood friend turned sweetheart fairytale began. On August 3rd 1976 Rick and Rose were united in marriage and spent over forty-two years building a beautiful life and raising five children. Rick spent most of his adult life living in faith and accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1989. Rick was the definition of a family man and was a dedicated hard worker. Aside from his well-earned vacation, Rick never missed a day of work. Rick loved coaching his children when they played football, baseball, softball and was a mentor to many children and young adults. His home was constantly filled with friends and family.
One of Ricks biggest enjoyments in life was watching his boys and grandsons play football and baseball, even when he was not the coach he would coach the coach and ref the referee. Rick was on the sideline for every cheer and dance for his girls. He was at every sporting event or competition, awards, and graduations for his grandchildren and they adored him. As a pastor, Rick ministered and led many to Christ and was a part of many missionary projects, he was involved in the community and ran a food drive out of his home and church.
In addition to coaching his children, Rick coached many other youth and adult sports and was a well-respected white hat (referee). If Rick wasn't on the field he was at the lake with family and friends, fishing and camping. Rick enjoyed fellowship with his car club, Street Justice car and bike club, and he was really proud of his low rider show bike. Every Valentine's day Rick would hand deliver flowers to his wife, daughters, and daughter in law at home, school or work. Rick would spend hours at the lake with his grandkids teaching them how to fish.
Rick spent a lifetime loving his wife and together they were the foundation of his family. Rick would take her on long drives to eat at restaurants in the mountains or The Springs. He would take her to the drive in or movie theatre, and would sing to her every chance he had and more than once he would write his own lyrics when singing to his wife.
In 2010 Rick faced one of the most difficult storms a man of faith could face. Throughout his storm his faith never wavered, he grew closer to God than he had ever been, comforting his family, continuing to minister, reminding them daily of God's grace. Rick showed tumultuous amounts of courage, strength, love and he never showed fear. Rick's story didn't end via his storm. He buckled up in faith and chased the storm to the end of his rainbow, trusting God. Rick went home surrounded by his wife, children, sisters and brothers on January 5, 2019 and his cup was full.