Alfredo R. Gonzalez

Weslaco, TX - Alfredo R. Gonzalez, 60, passed away to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at McAllen Heart Hospital. Mr. Gonzalez was born on June 15, 1960 to Lucas and Maria T. Gonzalez in Reynosa, Tamaulipas Mexico. He is preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother, Jesse Gonzalez; 2 sisters, Teresa Montemayor and Maria Montalvo. Mr. Gonzalez is survived by his wife, Rosa Maria Esqueda of Pharr, TX; 4 stepchildren, Josue J. Esqueda of Pharr, TX, Robert Lee Riojas of Weslaco, TX, Frank Riojas of Mercedes, TX; April J. Esqueda of Pharr, TX; 2 brothers, Felipe De Jesus Gonzalez of McAllen, TX, Alberto Gonzalez of Weslaco, TX; 2 sisters, Rosa Gonzalez of Houston, TX and Maria Stowe of Weslaco, TX. He is also survived by 1 grandson, Kayden E. Luna Esqueda. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco - Chapel of Heavens with a 6:00 p.m. rosary. Cremation will take place at Val Verde Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

A NEUHAUS CHASE TOWER TRIBUTE TO ALFREDO
Early morning, before most arrive, Alfredo checks into the mechanical room west side. Listens to the two chillers whining in symphony. The two massive machines, he called Hierro Nuevo and Hierro Viejo. Distinguishable since one had a new compressor. If the forecast was for cooler weather, he might turn one chiller off and fire up the boiler to balance the water temperatures going out to the 17 floors. Satisfied with the harmony he has created he crosses to the main building to chat with Javier the security guard and Amalio the day porter asking if they have any issues for him to deal with. Perhaps a light bulb out in one of the elevators or a leaking faucet on the 12th floor. He returns to the shop and brings out the cart with his tools and the materials he may need for the jobs ahead. Light bulbs, ballasts, batteries and soap dispensers for the restrooms. Something always needs his attention. His morning is full of a variety of repairs and interactions with the building’s occupants. Some know him by name others know him as the guy in the Cielo shirt who fixes things. Noon comes early for him, remember he started around 7 AM. Today he might cross to Stripes and get something cold to drink or wait for Lawrence to walk downtown to their favorite taco place in the alley off Beaumont Street. A skinny man he always seems to be hungry. A week of afternoons is devoted to changing belts and lubricating all the 23 air handlers in the building. One afternoon is spent with Lawrence and Javier replacing the ropes and shackles on the flagpoles. On another he reads all the individual electrical meters scattered throughout the building that measures usage by tenants. He is always busy, there is always something that needs his attention. The endless items that need adjusting, replacing, fixing. The work that defines his life at the Tower. Work that he is proud of and enjoys. Alfredo hates to take vacations. He accumulates unused vacation days, he does not want to leave the Tower. Management pleads with him to use his vacation days or lose them forever. Reluctantly he takes a week off. But now his work at the Tower is over. His cart parked at the shop with his tool belt and a few repair items on it. Alfredo we will miss you. Rest in peace.
 

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