Patrick Barbosa Gonzalez, 85, of San Antonio, Texas passed away on August 17, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on March 17, 1936 in New Braunfels, Texas to Salbador and Rosalina (Barbosa) Gonzalez.

Patrick was a very passionate individual who valued the diversity that life offered. He spoke three languages: English, Spanish, and German. Patrick had a love for music, sports, and was extremely patriotic.

Patrick was not afforded many opportunities growing up as a Latino in New Braunfels in the 1930s and 1940s. He had to forge his own way on the rocky road that determined his destiny. He joined the Marine Corps when he was 17. While in the Marine Corps he developed a stronger love for his country, and he reveled in the rigid social life that the Marine Corps required. Indeed, the practices he learned in the Marine Corps guided the way he conducted himself throughout his life.

Patrick was also fascinated with boxing. He often volunteered many hours in downtown San Antonio training Latino youth. He worked with many talented fighters who went on to become champion boxers. Beyond boxing, Patrick was crazy about most sports. He enjoyed watching football, NASCAR racing, baseball, and tennis. His passion for sports was beyond seeing sports as superficial entertainment. Patrick profoundly admired raw talent and sheer athleticism. He watched sports with a sophisticated scrutiny and as a metaphor for life.

Music moved Patrick. He loved to sing and was an amazing accordion player. He was a natural talent. He and his father would often play the accordion, harmonica, and sing together. He had a fondness for Mariachi music and had a deep appreciation for how powerful music could be. Music would often stir Patrick's emotions. It wasn't uncommon to see Patrick singing with Mariachis in restaurants around San Antonio.

Patrick loved the Marine Corps and his family the most. He had deep respect for his parents and loved his sisters and brothers. Moreover, he was crazy about his daughter. For him, to watch his daughter succeed in her endeavors filled his heart with pride and joy.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim Hohlt (Brandon) of Cypress, Texas; sisters, Martina G. Arrendondo of St. Peter's, Missouri; Lupe Sklar (Steve) of Clawson, Michigan; Maria Lemon (Carl) of Lufkin, Texas; Rosemary Gonzalez of New Braunfels, Texas; brother, Salvador Gonzalez, Jr (Gloria) of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by 5 nieces, 8 nephews, and numerous cousins.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, sister Adela Gonzalez, and brother Ignacio B. Gonzalez.

A Rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Braunfels. Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

The family and funeral home asks that attendees wear masks during services to keep our family and friends healthy and alive.

Patrick always appreciated the beauty of trees in this world and enjoyed watching kids be kids. Instead of flowers, which cannot be taken to Fort Sam, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to plant tree(s) in the United States in memory of Patrick. Alternatively, in memory of Patrick, charitable donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in New Braunfels, TX. If the donation form asks for a recipient email, please enter ryan@doeppenschmidt.com , and he will pass the notifications to the family.

-One Tree Planted: https://onetreeplanted.org/collections/united-states

-St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

-Holy Family Roman Catholic Church mailing address and phone number:

245 S. Hidalgo Ave.
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Phone: 830-609-5320