Albert V. Gonzales

Albert V. Gonzales, 89, of Bethlehem, died on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at St.Lukes Hospital.

He was born April 23, 1918 in Chanute, KS the son of the late Cirilo and Maria Valdivia Gonzales.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Domitila A. "Tillie" Gonzales.

He retired from the Bethlehem Steel Co. in 1978 as a Foreman in the Coke Oven Division after 38 years of service.

Albert was a parishioner of St. Anne's Catholic Church, Bethlehem where he was a member of the 55 plus club.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Clementina wife of Bennie Byrd of Springfield, MO; Anita M. wife of James L. Harrison of Mohnton, PA and Mary D. Gonzales of Ardmore, PA; six grandchildren, Mary Jeanette Skillman, Lisa Jones, Gina Byrd-Stadler, Patience Perry, Faith Lessner and Seth Harrison and five great grandchildren, Holden and Chase Perry, Benjamin and Elliot Skillman and Brayden Lesner. He is also survived by his sisters Pauline Rangel, Frances Gonzalez both of Kansas City, MO and Jessie Ramirez of Topeka, KS.

He was predeceased by his son, Joseph C. Gonzales.

Albert was a former member of the Bethlehem Civic Club, he was a charter member and interpreter for the Spanish Council, he was a charter member and former President of the Bethlehem Steel Coke Oven Leisure Club, and member of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Redevelopment Community Committee. He also was a member of the health and fitness center at St. Luke's North.

He was a volunteer poll watcher during elections.

Albert was an avid golfer, and fan of the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Steelers. In his earlier days, Albert played softball for the Young Cokesonians.

A visitation will be held at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem on Sunday December 9, 2007 from 6-8PM and again on Monday December 10, 2007 from 9:30-10:30AM in the funeral home.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Anne's Catholic Church on Monday December 10, 2007 at 11AM

Memorial Contributions may be made to the church 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017

Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, in Bethlehem, PA