Antonio "Tony" Gonzalez, Jr.

BROWNSVILLE, TX. - Antonio “Tony” Gonzalez, Jr. passed peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, the 12th of January 2022. His wife and children were at his side.

Tony was born and raised in Brownsville, graduated from Saint Joseph Academy in 1959, and earned a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972. Throughout his lifetime, Tony harbored an abiding love for UT, and could never leave the Co-op empty handed.

He began his career as a pharmacist with his father, Antonio Gonzalez, Sr., at the family business, Gonzalez Pharmacy. To those who knew him, it comes as no surprise that after studying various areas of science, he chose a lifelong career dedicated to the well-being of others; it was a dedication that extended far beyond the workplace and into every facet of his life.

Tony also had a love for his community and served it well through his work with organizations such as Charro Days Inc., Serra Club, Knights of Columbus, Port of Brownsville, Brownsville City Commission, and the Catholic Church. Through his community service, he forged and nurtured countless, deeply treasured friendships.

Those who knew and loved him best are his beloved family members. Tony is survived by Maria Graciela “Gracie” Gonzalez, his high school sweetheart and wife of fifty-six years; his children Marelina (Andrew) Puckett, Monica Lorena Gonzalez, Antonio (Vilma) Gonzalez III, and Juan Gonzalez; and his grandchildren Caroline Candice Puckett, James Oliver Puckett, Alejandro Rene Gonzalez, and Luca Antonio Gonzalez. Tony is also survived by his siblings Eduardo “Bibi” Gonzalez, Carlos Gonzalez, and Candida “Candi” (Carlos) Cascos, in addition to the many nieces and nephews he adored. He is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio Gonzalez, Sr. and Aurora Cobo Gonzalez; his niece, Cristina Gonzalez; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and friends he loved like family.

Visiting hours with the family will be held on Thursday, the 20th of January 2022 between the hours of eleven o’clock in the morning and two o'clock in the afternoon within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. In the interest of the health of all those in attendance, face masks are required.

In lieu of floral arrangements and customary remembrances, Tony and his family would wholeheartedly appreciate donations to Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1218 E. Jefferson Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520 and to St. Eugene de Mazenod Catholic Church, 5409 Austin Road, Brownsville, Texas 78521.

Memories of Tony may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.