Father George Gonzales, whose ministry as a diocesan priest has spanned the entire life of the Diocese of San Bernardino, passed away on Dec. 10, 2025 at Loma Linda University Medical Center at the age of 93.
Fr. Gonzales was born in Sterling, Colorado on November 17, 1932. He served in the United States Army before becoming a priest. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of San Diego on June 19, 1971, Fr. Gonzales would minister initially there and then in the Diocese of San Bernardino at its founding in 1978. In his 54 years as a priest, Fr. Gonzales ministered in 13 different parishes, serving as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Riverside, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Ontario, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Chino, Our Lady of Soledad Parish in Coachella, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Montclair, St. Frances of Rome Parish in Lake Elsinore and St. Joan of Arc Parish in Blythe. He also ministered at St. Edward, Corona; St. Francis of Assisi, La Quinta; St. Martha, Murrieta, and Our Lady of the Assumption, San Bernardino. He was a chaplain to the Vina de Lestonnac Retreat Center in Temecula from 2008-2012.
Fr. Gonzales served in diocesan ministry as the Chancellor for Hispanic Affairs and held positions of priest leadership on the Presbyteral Council, Diocesan Tribunal and as a Vicar Forane.
He retired from active ministry in 2007 and lived his final years at the diocesan facility for retired priests in Loma Linda. May Our Lord Jesus grant him eternal peace and perpetual light and happiness.