Michael Gonzalez ’50, a community-active resident of Vacaville and Solano County passed away suddenly in Fairfield on Aug. 9, 2013. He was 88 years old.
Mike was born Sept. 28, 1924 in Fairfield, to Miguel and Lucy Gonzalez. He grew up in old town Suisun and later moved with his family to their ranch at Mankas Corner in Fairfield. Mike graduated from Armijo High School in 1943. After serving his country as a United States Marine in the South Pacific and North China during World War II, he attended Santa Clara University. In both high school and college Mike was a standout athlete in football, baseball and tennis.
In 1951, Mike married Mary Chaffee, and they had two children, Katie and Michael. Mary passed away in 1961. Years later, Mike reconnected with Jane Roney, his childhood classmate and high school sweetheart. They married in 1978. While living in Vacaville, Mike managed the California Sample Furniture Company stores in Fairfield and Vacaville. He then opened up his own furniture store, Michael’s Home Furnishings in Vacaville. He later sold the store, which is now Shock’s Furniture. Mike then moved on to manage Ticor Title until he retired. Mike was active in civic affairs, serving as Vacaville City Councilman and three-time president of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Solano County Fair Board, the Dixon May Fair Board, the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee.
Mike led a very active social life and it seemed like wherever he went, he ran into someone he knew or he made a new friend. He could frequently be found at morning breakfast meetings, lunch groups at Rockville Corner, or just visiting at various restaurants around town. Mike regularly took walks in Alamo Park with friends and participated in many activities at Paradise Valley Estates. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching football and baseball games.
He was preceded in death by parents Miguel and Lucy Gonzalez, and wife Mary Gonzalez. Mike is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jane Gonzalez of Fairfield; daughter Katie Musitelli (Wes) of Santa Cruz; son Michael Gonzalez (Dawn) of Vacaville; sisters Bea Nagel of Washington and Elsie Roberts of Arkansas, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was an amazing man who touched many peoples lives. He was a beloved husband, dad and friend. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.