Jose Gonzalo Cardenas

Jose Gonzalo Cardenas, age 72, was called to be with the Lord on Friday, July 5, 2019.  Jose Gonzalo is preceded in death by his parents, Rodolfo and Epifania Quiroz Cardenas and his parents-in-law, Rogelio C. and Maria Luisa Garcia. Gonzalo was a proud veteran of the Viet Nam war.  He was assigned to the 1st of the 9th Air Calvary Division (Reconnaissance Unit) of the U.S. Army and served as a helicopter gunner.  He was awarded the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit and the Sharp Shooter Badge.  Gonzalo received an honorable discharge in June of 1969. Gonzalo was a graduate of Martin High School. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A & I at Laredo and a Master of Business Administration from Laredo State University.  Gonzalo was a vocational teacher with the Laredo Independent School District from 1975 until 1984. He served as Director of Vocational Education and later as Director of Plant Operations during his time with the United Independent School District between 1984 and 1997.  Gonzalo worked at Gateway Academy where he held the positions of teacher and principal/director.  He was also employed with SER Jobs for Progress from which he retired in 2008. Jose Gonzalo is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rosa M. Cardenas, and son, Joseph G. Cardenas Jr., daughter-in-law, Olivia, and granddaughters, Elizabeth and Isabella Cardenas.  He is also survived by brother, Rodolfo (Mary Ivanhoe) Cardenas of Houston, sister, Angela (Alfredo) Jasso Jr. of San Antonio, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Rogelio C. (Estela) Garcia Jr., Elba L. (Stephen) Alvarez of Brownsville, and Victor L. (Claudia) Garcia.  Additionally Gonzalo is survived by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Gonzalo was a member of Lulac Council #12 and American Legion Post #59.  Those who knew Gonzalo knew of his love for life, his sense of humor, and his enjoyment of time spent with family and friends. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. A rosary will be recited Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home chapel.  A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Veterans section of the City of Laredo Cemetery. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd.