Carlos Alejandro Gonzales

Carlos was born in Tucson, AZ into a proud 7th Generation Tucson family and 4th Generation cattle ranching family from Florence, AZ on April 24, 1988. As a small child, he attended Tucson Community School, then moved to Patagonia, AZ with his family. There, he enjoyed an active childhood, growing up with his sister and brother at the family home in the Patagonia Mountains. He was active in the 4-H Youth Development Program, raising 4-H market and breeding hogs and helping start the 4-H Archery Project. While in 4-H, he participated in many community service projects for local and global support outreach, many educational in-services, and the Santa Cruz County Fairs. Carlos attended Patagonia Schools, then Nogales High School, and graduated from Patagonia Union High School in 2005.

Carlos worked at the Patagonia Lake State Park Marina for most of his teen years. After he graduated from high school, he worked as a tradesman across Santa Cruz County, then in the produce repacking industry in Rio Rico.

Carlos served proudly and bravely in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman with the “Dark Horse” 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. He earned the leadership role of Fire team Leader, and deployed first in the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit into the Western Pacific region. His second deployment was into the Afghanistan War in the Sangin Helmand Province from October 2010-April 2011. He earned several commendations while serving in the Corps. After his active duty was complete, he remained in the San Diego, CA area until returning home to Southern Arizona. While in California, he enjoyed his work with the Wolfpack Wheelchair Basketball, Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station organization for rehabilitation structured sports and support for active duty and Veterans who had sustained amputations or spinal cord injuries. He served as the team’s Assistant Coach.

He worked with Loving Springs Farms Landscaping, then the Santa Rita Abbey, both in the Sonoita, AZ area, enjoying landscaping jobs at each before starting his own company, “Gonzos Landscaping” in the Nogales area. Carlos married and started raising a family in Rio Rico, then soon started working at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson in “The Boneyard” to clean and preserve military aircraft. He earned “Airman of the Quarter” in recent times for his exemplary work. He also was a hunting scout and guide for the Outdoor Experience 4 All organization for injured

Veterans, which he greatly enjoyed. In July, he attended the Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs in Junction, Texas which impacted his life very positively.

At the age of 35 years, Carlos passed away on October 7, 2023, in Nogales, AZ. He will be sorely missed by so many.

Carlos will be remembered for his unmistakable wit and sharp mind, his dedication and loyalty to friends and family, his incredible work ethic, his sense of honor, courage, and commitment, but most of all his unconditional love for his family.

Carlos A. Gonzales is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their 4 children, Daniel, Estevan, Camila, and Carlos Abel. His parents, Dr. Carlos R. Gonzales and Debbie, and siblings, Michael (Grace) Gonzales, Dr. Evelinda (Jared) Gonzales-Pryor, and Felip (Gregoria) Gonzales. Aunts and Uncles, David (Pam) Gonzales, Diana Gonzales, Carla (Don) Crtalic, Adela Gonzales, Linda (Hector) Tovar, Katharine (Michael Basil) Gonzales, Miguel (Amanda Leon) Gonzales, Linda (Steven) Crane, and Catherine (William) Foster. Nine nephews and nieces, Miriam, Angel, and Bryana Orozco; Isabella, Iyla, and Emmili Gonzales; Xavier and Santiago Gonzales; and Aurora Gonzales-Pryor. So very many cherished friends, Marine Brothers, mentors, and coworkers.

Carlos is now, in the lore of Infantry Marines, Remember him when you look at the night sky! He is now at peace in Heaven.

Semper Fidelis!