Robert Gonzalez

Robert Gonzalez, age 63, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA.

He was born on June 14, 1962, in Grandview, WA to Jesus and Margarita Gonzalez.

Growing up, Robert worked alongside his family in agriculture. He later began cutting meat at numerous grocery stores and opened his own meat market in Sunnyside called La Carniceria/The Meat Market where he had fresh meat, poultry and seafood. The Carniceria was known for its friendliness, excellent customer service, music, and the chicharones and carnitas that were prepared every morning. Upon closing the Carniceria, he got his CDL and worked for Central Pre-Mix, LTI, Yakima County, and Poppoff Concrete. Having his CDL inspired him to purchase his own tractor/trailer and named it KLR Transport, LLC. KLR represents the names of his grandchildren Kloe’ Lynne and Lukas Ramon.

Robert lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, chatting with friends and family, taking day trips, fishing with his grandchildren and close friends. He loved traveling to Florida and Texas to visit his family. Growing up, he had an interest in horses and watching westerns. Robert had two horses named Choco and Flor. He also had a traveling companion, our border collie named Jax.

Robert lived a happy, adventurous, and fulfilling life. He died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by his wife Nora, his 3 children, Matthew, Juan, and Alex, his mother Margarita, his sisters Hope, Dolores, and Rachel, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a fun, and loving Papa to his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Jesus Gonzalez Jr.

A special heartfelt thank you to the staff at Kadlec Hospital who became an extension of our family by providing him with the care and attention he deserved. In addition, we extend our thanks to the ICU for the comforting care and ensuring that his final journey is handled with gentleness and love.

Family, friends and others whose life Robert touched are invited to the Smith Funeral Home located at 528 South 8th Street in Sunnyside. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with an Evening Service at 5:00pm and the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA. Funeral Liturgy will be Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Robert’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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