For 37 years, on his trash pickup route in his adopted town of Winters, Ralph Gonzales cheerfully greeted residents with a wave and a smile, vowing to “never leave a full garbage can behind.”
During his time off, he brought his enthusiasm to fields and arenas where his children, and later his grandchildren, played sports and showed agriculture. He served as a Little League coach and umpire in Winters for more than 20 years, was a member of the “chain gang” at high school football games, and ran the clock for basketball and football contests.
Ralph, who died peacefully on Oct. 23 at the age of 81, will be remembered for his dedication to family and community. He is survived by many loving family members including his wife of 60 years, Linda Gonzales.
Ralph was born on Sept. 6, 1940 in Fairfield, CA. After graduating from Winters High School, Ralph worked as a service attendant for Pisani’s Service. He later worked as the city garbage man before working for Double M Trucking and finally retired in 2000.
Ralph enjoyed camping at Dillon’s Beach and getting together with friends and family.
He is survived by his children, Della and Ralph (Polita), his grandchildren Andrew and Sammy, his brothers, John and Buell (Susie) Gonzales, and his sisters Lois (Rolph) Foster and Ana (Ron) Manley.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alejandro and Edna Gonzales, his son-in-law Mark Wharton, his brothers and sisters, Edna Jo, Mac, Willy, Herman, and Christina.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 20, 2021 at the Winters Community Center. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to donate to Winters Little League.
