Ovidio C. Gonzalez

Ovidio C. González, 92

Ovidio C. González, age 92, passed away on November 17, 2016 at Dallas Regional Medical Center in Mesquite, TX. Ovidio was born on July 30, 1924, in China N. L., México, the son of Guadalupe González and Guadalupe Cavazos González.

In search for a more promising future, Ovidio immigrated from Monterrey, México to the United States with his wife, Josefina González and their children. With his young family in tow, Ovidio began his journey in America as a worker at Valley Fruit’s Warehouse in South Texas.

A highly skilled pitcher in the minor leagues in Monterrey, México, Ovidio was recruited to play in the American Minor Leagues. Excited about the opportunity to pursue his passion of baseball, Ovidio and his family moved north so that he could play with the Indianapolis Indians minor league team. A pitcher for the Triple A baseball team, representing the West Division, this station in Ovidio’s life was among one of his proudest.

Once he was unable to play baseball due to an injury, Ovidio channeled his hard work and energy into working for the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department in Lincolnwood, Illinois. As the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, he planned, organized, directed, and participated in the work of crews engaged in construction, repair, maintenance, as well as supervised crews who worked in landscape and facilities management.

As a result of such a commitment, the Village of Lincolnwood was able to host the Little League World Series Championship in both 1970 and 1973, years in which the Lincolnwood North-Lincolnwood Big League team brought home championship titles. These, too, were proud moments for Ovidio for it brought together his love of baseball and his dedication to the Village of Lincolnwood.

Ovidio was also a man of faith and a strong Catholic. He was a founding member of El Club Hispanoamericano of St. Mary of the Lake in Chicago where he was a parishioner. Ovidio and the members of the club advocated for an accurate and positive representation of the Latino culture within the church. In a time when the Chicano Movement was strong, this was Ovidio’s way of contributing to the effort.

After 29 years with the Village of Lincolnwood, Ovidio and his wife moved to Mission, Texas. The location allowed for them to visit family in Texas and México more frequently. Along with the familiar trips across Texas and México, Ovidio and his wife enjoyed traveling to new places. His favorite memories of traveling included visiting Niagara Falls, Maui, and Madrid.

Ovidio was a man who embraced his past, cherished the present, and had the highest of hopes for the future. He was the biggest dreamer and his dreams inspired and motivated his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ovidio was also a very proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was often heard boasting about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved his family with all of his heart and it was obvious through his words and actions. His family is grateful for the time that they have had with him and cherish every last minute that he spent with them, especially these last five months. He will forever, for all eternity, live on in their hearts. We love you, Tata!

Ovidio C. González is survived by his daughter María G. García, his daughter Laura T. González, his son Ovidio González Jr. (Bella), his daughter Leticia Briones (Gonzalo); 9 grandchildren Laura Rae & (Jason), Marisa Huey & (Kevin), Belinda Moran & (Michael), David Briones, Stephanie Koposko & (Alvin), Michael González, Melissa González, and Christopher González and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Josefina González, 5 brothers, and 4 sisters.

The rosary and visitation will be on Monday, November 21, 2016 from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Charles W. Smith & Sons F. H. on 2925 5th St. in Sachse, Texas 75048.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Charles W. Smith & Sons Chapel on 2925 5th St. in Sachse, Texas 75048. The burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery on 2343 Lake Road in Lavon, TX 75166.