Nick Gonzales, Jr.

Nick "Poppa Nick" Gonzales, Jr., 78, of Hanover, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2015, at York Hospital with his loving children by his side. Born in Galveston, TX, he was the son of the late Nick and Rebecca (Cortez) Gonzales. Nick graduated with a B.S. from Sam Houston State University in Hunstville, TX. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired from a career at UARCO, Inc. Poppa Nick loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and his beloved dog Fluffy. Nick was a devout Catholic and volunteered for animal causes such as the Humane Society. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and attending his grandkid's sporting events. Poppa Nick will always be remembered as a fun-loving father and grandfather who liked to joke around and make everyone laugh.

Nick is survived by his four children, Mark Studness and his wife Erica of Basking Ridge, NJ; John and Marcy Gonzales of Annapolis, MD; Edward Gonzales and his wife Susan of Hanover, PA; and Catherine Best and her husband Michael of Hampstead, MD; nine grandchildren, Jason, Abagail, James, Samantha, Daniel, Jennifer, Juliet, Grant, and Katie; two brothers, Christopher Gonzales and his wife Sherry, and Richard Gonzales and his wife Diana; and two sisters, Theresa Bette and her husband Donald, and Elizabeth Flores and her husband Roland. Nick was preceded in death by his ex-wife Hazel (Small) Gonzales.

A memorial service will be held 6 p.m., Friday, January 8, 2016 at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Forever Love Rescue (dog rescue), 100-B Buford Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325, http://foreverloverescue.com/. Online condolence may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com.