Peter Lopez Gonzalez, Sr.

June 29, 1936 - May 18, 2018

Peter Lopez Gonzalez Sr., 81, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, May 18, 2018 surrounded by his family. Since 1956, he resided in St. Helena with his wife, Antonia and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Pete founded Gonzalez Electric, providing electrical services to our community for well over 30 years. His son, Peter Gonzalez Jr., took over the company in 1993 and it continues to this day. Born in Redlands, CA to Emerio and Manuela Gonzalez, Pete was one of seven children including five brothers, Benito, Victor, Mercy, Chalo, Frank, Nick, and his sister, Santos. A man of many talents, his work included being a welding instructor at Kaiser Steel, a welder at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and on the BART Transbay Tube, a cement truck driver for McGill Westner in Rutherford and then for Harold Smith & Sons in St. Helena. Soon after, he became an electrical contractor for M.L. Gerard and served as a part-time Police Reserve Officer in St. Helena. His favorite pastimes included singing tenor with the St. Joan of Arc Church and St. Helena Catholic Church, catering parties all over the Napa Valley, making his famous Petes Repeat Chili, watching roller derby, wearing his signature Ben Davis work shirts, and delivering his delicious homemade burritos to family, friends and colleagues. He was also a long-time member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. He will be fondly remembered as a man of great character, with a humble heart, loving personality, sense of humor, and brilliant smile. Pete is survived by his wife Antonia, children Peter Gonzalez (Judy), Ana Gong (George), and Rosa Hernandez (Carl), his grandchildren Josh (Lindsay), Jayne, Joanne (Jeremiah), Jeffrey (Celida), Sarah (Gabino), Richard, Carl, Yvette, and two great grandchildren, Dominic and Nora. A rosary will take place on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 7pm at the Treadway and Wigger Funeral Chapel on 2383 Napa Vallejo Highway in Napa with a visitation beginning at 3pm. The celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11am at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on 6404 Washington Street in Yountville with a burial following at the Holy Cross Cemetery, St. Helena, CA and reception at the Native Sons Hall. The Gonzalez family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the staff at Collabria Care: Napas Hospice, Alzheimer's Resource Center for their attentiveness and care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to this organization in memory of Pete. Funeral Home: Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel 2383 Napa-Vallejo Highway Napa, CA US 94558