Korean War veteran and avid golfer
Published in the February 9, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Armand A. Gonzales, 92, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2018 while wintering in Ft. Myers, Florida. Armand had just returned back to his condo from practicing his golf game and was sitting comfortably watching the Golf Channel when he was called home by our Lord. Armand’s zest for life was an inspiration to others.
Armand was born in Malden on October 15, 1925 to the late Oreste and Teresa (Marucci) Gonzales. He was raised in Malden and graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1943. He served his country with pride in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Armand worked many years as an Installation Contractor for United States Window Corp.
He was the beloved husband of 59 years to the late Delores (Siraco) Gonzales formerly of Everett. Armand was a true romantic. Delores was the love of his life and they began raising their family in Malden before moving to Melrose in 1967. Armand was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His main purpose in this life was providing and caring for his loving family. He enjoyed listening to jazz and was a self-taught pianist playing his baby grand piano by ear. Armand loved to sing and he knew all the lyrics. On many a Saturday night, he could be found playing the piano at Rosaria’s restaurant in Saugus delighting their patrons and wait staff. He was also the nephew of the famous magician, Slydini. He enjoyed performing magic, but nothing gave him more satisfaction than cooking for his family, friends and neighbors. His culinary skills became legendary and his food was “The Best Ever” and always the main focus at any gathering. Armand was the life of the party.
He especially loved golf. He was an active, skillful and competitive longtime golfer with Riley’s Raiders, a group at Mt. Hood Golf Club. He looked forward to playing the entire golf season from spring until late fall with “the best guys in the world.” Armand enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, loving others with a big smile, a warm heart and gleaming blue eyes.
Devoted father of Stephen Gonzales and his wife Marinella of Revere, Dennis Gonzales of Newburyport and the apple of his eye, his late daughter, Susan (Gonzales) Psaros and her husband Kevin. Caring grandfather of Gina, Amanda and Jessica. Proud great-grandfather of Tatiana, Idalys, Jordan and Gianna.
Armand is survived by his sisters: Emma Tringali of Lynnfield, Josephine Santosuosso of Tampa, Fla., Emily King and husband Ralph of North Andover, and Shirley Morelli and husband Michael of Stoneham. Armand was also the brother of the late Arthur Gonzales and late sister Mary LaCroix.
Armand was also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday February 11, from 2 – 5 p.m. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home on Monday February 12, at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 10 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in name of Armand and Delores Gonzales to Home Heath VNA and Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St. Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01893 or www.homehealthfoundation.org/donate. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
