Francisco Góngora

Weslaco- Francisco Góngora, 99, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. Francisco was born on April 2, 1921, to Francisco Góngora and Petra Flores Góngora in Waco, Texas.

Francisco grew up in Alamo and joined the US Army before graduating from high school. Francisco served in World War II as Private First Class from 1942-1945. While serving in the war, he earned several awards, including the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After being honorably discharged, he reunited with his high school sweetheart, Ninfa Fonseca, and married shortly after, in 1957.

They spent the rest of their lives together, raising a son, José Góngora

Francisco was brilliant. He earned his GED while he was serving in World War II. He was especially good with numbers and worked in accounting for his entire career. Francisco retired as a bookkeeper at Straus-Frank after 27 years of service.

When Francisco wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching sports on television and old westerns. He also maintained all of the vehicles and anything around the house that needed to be repaired. He could teach himself any trade.

Francisco was a dedicated husband, father, veteran, and employee, but above all, he was a servant of Christ, and he led by example. Francisco was a disciplined, responsible, and a caring provider. He earned the respect of all who knew him; he was well-groomed and authoritative. Francisco was a Sunday School teacher and had a personal relationship with God. He also encouraged his grandchildren to seek God’s wisdom and guidance above all else. He taught them to live an honest life and follow God’s teachings.

Francisco was preceded in death by his son, José Góngora, his wife Ninfa, sisters, Irene Flores, Josefina Tanguma, Consuelo Barrientes, and brothers, Florencio Góngora, Jorge Góngora, and Antonio Góngora.

He is survived by his sisters, Esther Gil of Pharr and Maria Saenz of McAllen, daughter in law, Clara Góngora, grandchildren, Mara Góngora, Elizabeth Góngora, Jose Benjamin Góngora (Debra Tanguma), and Daniel Góngora , great-grandchildren, Delilah, Elijah, Josiah, Maliah, Caleb, Evan, Katelyn, and Faith Góngora.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 18th, 4-9 pm, with a prayer service at 6 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. Funeral services will be Monday, October 19th, at 10 am at McCaleb Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Highland Memorial Park, also in Weslaco.