Obituary of Antonio Hinojosa Gonzalez

Antonio “Tony” Hinojosa Gonzalez, 75, of Gridley passed away on March 11th, 2023 at Enloe Hospital in Chico, from respiratory failure with his devoted wife and adoring daughter at his bedside. Tony was born on July 4th, 1947 in Raymondville, Texas to Pilar and Teresa Gonzalez. He was raised in a loving close family with his three sisters and two brothers. The family worked as migrant farmers and eventually settled in Biggs, California.  He met Glenda Gail, the love of his life in 1971, they married in 1972 and he became a father in 1973.  

The family he created was his greatest accomplishment and joy. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and friends, sharing stories and making everyone laugh and smile. A self-taught musician, Tony was known for always having a guitar in hand, ready to sing and entertain. The world was his stage as he relished playing at family gatherings, parties, and anywhere with a crowd including a Cesar Chavez rally. Tony saw the struggles of the people who are often overlooked by society and was a champion for farm workers’ rights and prison reform—a testament to his sympathetic heart.  

Known for his glorious mustache and cowboy boots, Tony was a true Texan at heart who loved fishing, hunting, rodeos, and watching Western movies. A barbeque pitmaster in his family, Tony was praised for his signature meats grilled over a wood fire. His compelling charm and wit are already missed by all those who knew him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jose Benito.  He is survived by his wife Glenda Gail, their daughter Rachel (Ruperto), five grandchildren: Ariana, Lesley (Ezekiel), Anthony, Phoenix, and Kortez, his great granddaughter Aven, stepson Gabriel, and his siblings: Elisa, Jane, Gloria (Guillermo), Narcisco (Rena), among other loved family members and friends. 

A public funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 31st at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 1560 Hazel Street in Gridley, California with a Celebration of Life to follow at 3:00 PM at Parish Hall located at 1551 Hazel Street.