Alexander Vincent Gonzales, Sr., age 85, of Elkton, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 25, 1940, in Shaland, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of the late Alexander Vincent Gonzales, Sr. and Anna V. (née Winerowicz) Gonzales. His father immigrated from Spain in 1920, and Alex was proud to be a first-generation American — a distinction that deeply shaped his values of hard work, gratitude, and opportunity.

Alex’s love story with his wife, Eleanor, began in high school. It was love at first sight, and he was determined to win her heart. Their romance was one for the ages: spirited and devoted. The young couple eloped to Cecil County, Maryland, and began what would become a remarkable 66-year marriage filled with joy, resilience, and unwavering love. Eleanor passed away just days after Alex, on May 6, 2025, a poignant testament to their inseparable bond.

A proud graduate of Penn State University, Class of 1960, Alex launched a successful career in the insurance industry. He began by selling Nationwide Life Insurance door to door in the evenings while driving a coal truck during the day to support his wife and daughter. A determined and tireless worker, Alex was quickly promoted and went on to hold numerous executive positions. Over the course of 13 years, he moved his family seven times as his career advanced, ultimately serving as Director of Nationwide General in Columbus, Ohio. In 1981, he seized the opportunity to run his own agency in Newark, Delaware, which he managed with integrity and dedication until his retirement on December 31, 2007.

Alex had a deep appreciation for fine automobiles and owned many throughout his life, including Jaguars, Mercedes, and Corvettes — a passion he proudly passed on to his children. He also loved the outdoors and the traditions that came with it. A lifelong member of the NRA, he was an avid hunter and marksman who found peace and reflection at his cherished hunting cabin in Juniata County, Pennsylvania.

Alex was a devoted family man and took immense pride in the accomplishments and joys of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a longtime supporter of Mount Aviat Academy in Childs, Maryland, where his son Eric, as well as all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, have attended — a tradition that continues to this day.

He was a man of deep faith and a longtime, faithful member of Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church in Newark, Delaware.

Alex will be remembered for his warmth, his sense of humor, his steadfast values, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Vible and her husband William; his son, Eric Gonzales; three grandchildren: Ashley Vible, Lacy Vible and her partner Shelby, and Allison Gonzales and her husband Bryan Lanshe; and two great-grandchildren: Alaina Vible and Hunter Vible. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Gonzales and husband Jerry, and his lifelong friend, Dan Martz.

In addition to his beloved wife, Eleanor, and his parents, Alex was preceded in death by his son, Alexander Gonzales, Jr., and his sister, Rose Ann Gonzales.

A joint Mass of Christian Burial for Alexander and Eleanor Gonzales will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE 19711. Family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

Alex’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he shared — he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.