Alan Gonzalez

Alan Gonzalez, 25, passed away on December 21, 2024. He was born on September 24, 1999, in McAllen, Texas. 

Alan is survived by his parents, Daniel and Dora Leticia "Letty" Gonzalez, of McAllen; and his older siblings, Amanda Danielle Gonzalez and Adrian Gonzalez. 

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Patricio "Pat" and Nora R. Gonzalez, of Pharr, and his maternal grandparents, Eusebio Andres and Dora C. Gonzalez, of Pharr, originally of Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Alan was born to be an educator, following in the footsteps of his mother and both grandmothers. 

He graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with minors in Reading, Special Education, and Kinesiology. A Dean's List recipient, Alan also volunteered with UIW Special Olympics events and fundraisers. He served as a founding member and Historian of the UIW Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. In the Spring of 2021, Alan was the recipient of The National Society of Leadership & Success Award.

The San Antonio community was blessed to have an elementary teacher like him among their ranks for five meaningful semesters. Upon completion of his student teaching at Franklin Elementary in the Fall of 2022, he was immediately hired at Woodlawn Academy in the Spring of 2023. Mr. Gonzalez then transferred to Carvajal Elementary in the Fall of 2023, where he was named a 2023-2024 Rising Star Teacher at San Antonio ISD for his and his students' classroom excellence. 

As a teacher, Mr. Gonzalez would wear tennis shoes to school and would challenge his 2nd-grade students to run races during recess and join them on the playground.

He had a very giving heart and always prioritized his students' joy and learning in a fun way. On a teacher's salary, money was always tight, but he would rather spend his final $20 on Dollar Store prizes for his students than groceries for himself.

In his last conversation with his mother, Mr. Gonzalez happily told her about how he celebrated the holidays with his students by reading them a book called "Too Many Tamales."

Growing up, Alan had several amazing educators and youth sports coaches who deeply inspired him. He played baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, and truly enjoyed running track hurdles and relays at Palmer Elementary, Liberty Middle School, and the City of Pharr Parks & Recreation summer program.

Alan was a Class of 2018 honor graduate from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo North Early College High School. He was a Raider Boys' Varsity Track & Field hurdler and relay racer, and was also the Team Manager for the Lady Raiders' Varsity Volleyball Team. He was part of the PSJA North Student Council, National Honor Society, Theatre Department, Yearbook, and UIL Mock Trial Team. He was also selected to participate in Texas Boys State for his community leadership. 

After graduation, he would spend his summers helping his alma mater's volleyball team train and prepare for their upcoming season.

His passion for volleyball began while playing with his church youth group at La Trinidad United Methodist Church in Pharr. Before Alan was even old enough to join the youth group volleyball team, he practiced and held his own against the older kids.

In college, he was the only freshman starter and served as the three-year captain and libero of his UIW Men's Club Volleyball Team.

While teaching at Woodlawn Academy, he was thrilled for the opportunity to play at the Students vs. Staff volleyball game fundraiser. 

He was currently a travel select volleyball assistant coach for the Texas Champion Academy and previously for San Antonio Lightning, helping dedicated middle school girls prepare for high school competition. Alan played adult co-ed indoor volleyball in the Rio Grande Valley and for Platinum Sports San Antonio, as well as sand volleyball at Sideliners in San Antonio. He was also a state-certified volleyball referee. 

Alan lived each day of his 25 years to the fullest. He never had enough time for everything he wanted to do, but he made the most of every hour with teaching, volleyball, and fun. In his scarce free time, Alan enjoyed playing the piano, painting, and listening to live music with family and friends.

Alan was sunshine in human form. His contagious laughter will always remain in our hearts and his beautiful legacy will live on through the many lives he impacted in the classroom, on the volleyball court, and beyond. 

The best way to describe his kind heart is: Alan was everyone's best friend! He made everyone feel special and loved and cherished, whether you'd known him his whole life or had just met him. 

Alan was a diamond and every girl's best friend, favorite dance partner, quinceañera chamberlain, prom date, Cotillion escort, and even a Bridesman. Throughout various stages of his life, Alan was always Mr. Fun, and felt most comfortable surrounded by his loving girlies. It is only fitting and deeply meaningful to honor him with an all-girl pallbearer group.

Serving as pallbearers are: Analyza Garza, Heaven Rios, Jennifer Huerta, Brehanna Casias, Victoria Oviedo, and Jacklyn Salinas. Honorary Pallbearers are: Ashley Kristine Garza and Bianca Garza Rossetti.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m., with a 6 p.m. Celebration of Life on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 12 noon Monday, December 30, 2024, at La Trinidad United Methodist Church in Pharr. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.