Anthony Sierra Gonzales

Retired Army SP6 Anthony Sierra Gonzales passed away on September 2, 2020 at the age of 92. He was born on October 9th, 1927 in San Antonio, TX to Frank Garza Gonzales and Maria Sierra Gonzales. He married the late Matilda (Tere) Gomez in Seguin, TX on November 22, 1953, they were married for 64 years.

Tony (as he liked to be called) served in three branches of the Armed Forces (Marines, Air Force & Army) and during that time he was deployed to different countries of the world (including the USA): Alaska, Australia, England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Hawaii, Philippines, Panama, Korea, Taiwan, Wake Island, Okinawa, Johnson Island, Vietnam and to other destinations. There aren’t many servicemen that can claim two branches of services let alone three branches.

His brothers Gilbert Gonzales and the late Frank Gonzales looked up to their big brother, especially since he joined the Marines at age 17 and immediately started serving his country. He served in the Korean war conflict and the Vietnam war. Once he came back from Vietnam, he and his family were transferred to Karlsruhe, Germany where he enjoyed being stationed there and loved Oktoberfest.

After retirement, he attended St. Phillips College in San Antonio, TX to keep his mind busy, and was a history buff. Enjoyed westerns on television and Lawrence Welk and listening to big band music.

He is survived by his daughters Laura Lorraine Miller (Andy), and Antoinette Pierce. He also leaves behind his brother Gilbert Gonzales (Elvira), his grandchildren William Deben, Heidi Miller Crone (Phillip), Bobby Miller, and his great-grandchildren Anthony and Adrian Gonzales and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Matilda (Tere) Gonzales, daughter Terry Deben, granddaughter Heather Gonzales, brother Frank Gonzales Jr. and son-in-law Joseph Pierce.

A big “thank you” and very grateful to my sister Antoinette, who was our father’s primary caregiver in his later years – she would make sure all his needs were met and handled and took care of the household; including his hot chocolate. He told me he didn’t care if it was 100 degrees outside, he still enjoyed that nightly ritual.
Also, a shout out to his artist friend, Michael (Mike) Petchulat, who resides in Santa Fe, NM … he would religiously call him every day at 3pm & 9pm just to ‘chat’ with our dad. He looked forward to this constant companionship from afar.

Please remember to thank ALL veterans who have served in the military for our country; they are an important part of our lives. PTSD was not recognized when our dad came back from war, and wish it had been part of the process at that time.
It was fitting that he passed on September 2nd, WWII officially ended on that date in 1945 – 75 years ago. He finished serving his country and passed peacefully.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas at a later date. Per my dad: Semper Fi