Epifanio Gonzales
January 8, 1921 - November 7, 2011
Epifanio Gonzales
1/8/1921 – 11/7/2011
“I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race; I have kept the faith, all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to on the Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4: 7-12.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Epifanio “Eppie” Gonzales, 90, died November 7, 2011, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 8, 1921, in Colton, California. He was a migrant worker who settled in Salt Lake City during the early 1930’s.
He married the love his life, Maria de la Luz (“Lucy”) Cabrera on June 1, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah. In their 65 years together, they raised seven beautiful children. He often commented on how proud he was of the lives each of his children had built for themselves. He loved his family, the Church and his country.
Many years ago, he became a parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission and was adopted as one of Father Collin’s “kids.” He dedicated his free time to serving the parish with his many talents. A CCD teacher for over 45 years, RCIA Instructor, Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Choir Member, Scout Committee Chairman, parish painter, Third Order Carmelite and coffee clutch member along with numerous other volunteer ministries.
He volunteered for the U.S. Army on January 3, 1941, and was assigned to the 19th Combat Engineer Regiment with campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Italy and received four bronze battle stars. Sgt. Gonzales received a commendation for his service in the Tunisian Campaign. He was awarded the Silver Star after saving the lives of numerous U.S soldiers from the Texas 36th Regiment in the Battle of Cassino at the crossing of the Rapido River, in Italy. After the war he attended school on the GI Bill and studied art and lettering.
Eppie loved everyone and everyone loved Eppie.
Survived by his loving wife, and seven children, Randall (Tamera), Shirley (Roger) Mares, Cecilia (James) Lyons, Vincent, Alex (Kerry), Laura (Daniel) Adams, Brian (Kristene); nineteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and loving friends whom he took in like family.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 10th from 6 to 8 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 715 West 300 North, Salt Lake City, with a vigil beginning at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 11th at 10:00 am also at the church.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Randall Rupper and the staff of the VA Medical Center who cared for his medical needs throughout the years. Much thanks to his parish family who shared with him in giving thanks to God.
In Loving Memory
To Lucy and family, we would like to expres our most sincere sympathy for the loss of your spouse, father.I know God is waiting for him and his good deeds are ready to be recorded in the book of life.We will all miss my brother for he was a good man. Peace to us all.
Jesse and Josephine Gonzales
west Valley, Ut
To Lucy and Family, I am Susanna and Leno Florez daughter sorry to hear about your loss. Know that it is difficult to lose someone as my dad has been gone only for a short year. Know he is in Gods hands and will be praying for you.
Rebecca Florez Camara
Murray, Ut
A beautiful sunny afternoon at Mt. Calvery to hear taps and say goodby to a veteran of WWII, Silver Star recipient... Epifanio Gonzales, Alex's father. He survived a horrendous war and went on to live to the age of 90. There is something about watching the soldiers perform the folding of the flag ceremony and hearing the bugle played that for me, was the most touching. Thank a veteran today and every day. Cut and paste into browser: veteransday.utah.edu /honorees/2005/gonzales /gonzales_popup.html
Alex, Kerry & Kevin Gonzales
East Millcreek, UT
To all Gonzales family We are so sorry to hear of Eppie passing. He was a wonderful inspiration to our family members at Guadalupe church when we were young. We will keep him in our prayers. God Bless him Arredondo Family
Marti Whiteman
West Valley City, Ut
Recent article on dad in the Deseret News, 12.03.11 Cut and paste into browser: deseretnews.c o m /article/700203636 /My-farewell-to-Eppie-a-war-hero.html
Vincent Gonzales
W. Jordan, UT
Never seen a beettr post! ICOCBW
Linx
qFDABmRcEH, CT
I'm not quite sure how to say this; you made it extreemly easy for me!
Ellyanna
CKDtnBIX, JR
There's a terrific amount of knowldgee in this article!
Reignbeau
OKWvmVHUVX, aN
My father "soldiered" closely with Mr. Gonzales. Combat soldiers of the 19th told me stories about him, his tremendous popularity, his actions at the Rapido. He was among the last of these men still in the ranks of the unit when he passed. Huge, huge respect for this man, who I spoke with once on the phone 10-years ago. Salute!
Timothy Nelson
Reno, NV
Sorry on losing Mr..Gonzales In 1960 I met him with my Father who has now pass also. My Question would it be possible to receive a Picture of Mr.Gonzales In Uniform with His Silver Star. thank you L.F.El..
Luis Elizondo
S.L., Ut