Mark Gonzales

Mark Gonzales, 71, entered into rest on September 16, 2024, with family by his side. He was born and raised in Santa Cruz by his mother Lupe Lopez and stepfather Juan Barrios. He attended Mission Hill and Santa Cruz High School where he played basketball, football, and baseball. After schooling, he entered the workforce as a system technician at Honeywell, formally known as Measurex, located in Cupertino. Mark worked at Honeywell for 25 years, and it is there that he would meet his wife of 42 years, Kathy.

Mark was a lifelong Bay Area sports fan who loved to cheer on the Raiders, Giants, and Warriors. He was especially fond of the Raiders; he was a season ticket holder and delighted in tailgate parties before the big games. Mark also had a passion for music and would attend concerts and music festivals regularly. He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their different sporting events. Like a true Santa Cruz native, Mark loved ocean activities, which included body surfing and abalone hunting with his sons and friends. He also liked to camp with his family, especially to Donner Lake. 

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Gonzales; sons Marco (Cecilia) Gonzales, Justin (Michele) Gonzales, Nicholas (Gris) Gonzales; grandchildren Gianna, Cash, Dante, Lincoln, and Kalel Gonzales; sister Tina Guadian; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Santa Cruz County. He is preceded in death by his parents Lupe and Juan Barrios. 

There will be a private scattering and Celebration of Life held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.