Pete Gonzales Jr., 81, of Victoria passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024, surrounded by family.  He was born January 3, 1943, in Cuero to Pete and Mary Gonzales. Pete proudly served in the United States Air Force and was an expert clarinet player in the United States Air Force Band. Stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, he spent several years touring Europe, playing for top dignitaries at many elaborate venues. It didn't take long to hear his passion for music shine through while listening to him share countless stories of his musical journey. Even at age 66, he picked up his clarinet once again and joined the Crossroads Wind Symphony in Victoria.

Friends and family will tell you he was also a highly skilled fisherman who taught many an angler his secrets of setting the hook!  His love of fishing and teaching others truly exemplified the old proverb "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Pete is survived by his wife, Barbara Gonzales; son, Kevin Gonzales (Tammy); daughter, Stephanie Gonzales (Robert); sister, Virginia Frazier (Gary), and brothers, Alfred Gonzales and Jimmy Gonzales.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete C. Gonzales and Mary S. Gonzales, and his brother, Roy Gonzales.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 9, 2024, 4 to 7 pm at Freund Funeral Home in Cuero with a rosary recited at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10:00 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Jacob Mendoza officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Kevin Gonzales, Alfred Gonzales, Jimmy Gonzales, Jason Gonzales, Shane Gonzales, and John Urbano.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.