Ralph “Speedy” Gonzales, 71, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia died Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Martinsburg VA Medical Center.
Mr. Gonzales was born in 1945 in Flushing, Queens, New York, the son of the late Juan P. and Lillian Gonzales. He received a psychology degree and was a counselor for over 10 years. Mr. Gonzales was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Vietnam era where he achieved the rank of GMG3, was named sailor of the week at one time, and had an exemplary record during his tour of duty. After his service in the Navy he served as a Merchant Marine. Speedy was also a stained glass artist for many years, owning and operating Usha Glass Art. His work has been collected all over the world and displayed at the Ice House in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. He enjoyed writing and published several books. He also had a love for drawing, using pen and ink. Mr. Gonzales was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist faith, and attended the Berkeley Springs Seventh Day Adventist Church with his wife.
Mr. Gonzales married Beverly Jane Gonzales on March 2, 1969 in Port Republic, Maryland.
Surviving with his beloved wife of 48 years are sons, Orion “Ty” Gonzales (Aijie “Jackie”) of North Potomac, Maryland and Ralph O’Neil of England.
Mr. Gonzales was preceded in death by a sister, Carmen Gonzales and a brother, Michael Gonzales.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA.
A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A reception will follow the services at the Omps Reception Center, Omps Amherst Chapel.
Interment will be at a later date at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11601 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, Maryland.