Richard Gonzales

September 10, 1933 - August 5, 2019

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia (née Buck); brother, Douglas (Mary Snow) Gonzales of Dover, PA; four children, Richard (Sali) Gonzales of Midlothian, TX, Michele (Ray) Gordon of Cherry Hill, NJ, Carmen (David) White of Munster, IN, and Lisa Babbitt of Montgomery, IL; five grandchildren, Douglas (Kristi), Amanda (Christian), Sarah (Dylan), Rachel, Malic; and four great grandchildren, Jackson, Braxton, Owen and Afton.

Richard served in the U.S. Air Force before earning his bachelor’s (1960) and his master’s (1963) degrees from Bradley University and his doctorate (1966) from the University of Illinois. Richard taught electrical engineering at Bradley and later at Purdue University Northwest for a combined total of over 50 years. He was a well-loved professor known for his enthusiasm and his devotion to his students and to the subjects he taught.

Led by his adventurous spirit, Richard’s extraordinary engineering talents regularly brought him to the front lines of innovation. He started the first computer center at Bradley University, worked on the NASA Apollo spacecrafts in Texas and in California, created a course on micro controllers for Purdue University Northwest at England’s University of Warwick and worked at Argonne National Laboratory testing electric cars, which he later drove.

At any time of day, Richard could be found working in his garage, where he rebuilt old sports cars and designed new ones. He was an avid autocross racer and a member of multiple racing organizations. He regularly won races into his 80’s.

Richard was determined, affectionate, straight-forward and wise. He loved lively debates, tennis, racquetball, happy hour, angel hair spaghetti, fleece sweaters (“cuddly duddlies”) and his family, which included many close friends. His inexhaustible curiosity inspired his loved ones to live vigorously with open minds and open hearts.

Richard Gonzales, age 85, of Gary, IN, passed away suddenly of a stroke on August 5th, 2019, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 10, 1933, in Oak Park, IL, to Alice Howe Lufkin and Harold Francis Gonzales. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia (née Buck); brother, DouglasContinue Reading

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Ricardo was a kind and friendly man. Always willing to flash a welcoming smile. A great driver and competitor. My deepest condolences to his family and racing family. He will be missed.

WOW ! I did not see him very much lately but he went to soon.

Dr. Gonzales was one of my professors at Purdue Cal. I was a Mechanical Engineering Major and struggled with a required Electrical Engr'g. course which I eventually dropped. I had to retake the class the following semester. Dr Gonzales was the prof for the class, fortunately for me. His teaching skills opened my eyes to the subject. I believe I got a solid B with an A in the Lab. I even considered switching to Electrical Engr'g after that class, but didn't. That was because I was able to take many of his classes as Engineering electives. I believe he was instrumental in establishing the 4 year Interdisciplinary Engineering Degree at Purdue Cal, of which I was in the 1st graduating class ('71). Dr Gonzales was a driving force behind my education. I owe him a lot. I only wish I had known he still lived in the area. You have my sympathy for your loss of a wonderful person.

The picture you chose for his obit sums up the man. Always smiling happy and very inquisitive. I am sorry for your families loss.

We will miss Richard.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.