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Aristides "Ted" Rafael Gonzaga, 84, of Spring, TX, passed away peacefully after a brave journey fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He was born in the spring of 1940, to Jesus and Eugenia Gonzaga of Manila, Philippines.

Ted grew up in Manila and was the youngest of eight children. In school, Ted was passionate about music, literature, and poetry. He was on the staff of the school newspaper at Torres High School and continued his literary pursuits in college. At the University of the Philippines, where he studied Economics, he was an active member of his college fraternity-- also known as the Upsilonians. He penned the fraternity's Concept of Brotherhood, which is still used today.

Ted started his first job at Philippine Airlines in the Human Resources department and worked there for 10 years. In 1972, Ted accepted a job opportunity with the United Nations as a field officer and moved to New York City. Shortly after moving to the United States, Ted met Rose in New York. They were married in Los Angeles and went on to have two children, Nikki and Kara. Ultimately, Ted and Rose settled in Houston, Texas, where he became an active volunteer in his children's dance and musical activities. Ted was always seen behind a video camcorder capturing memories at football games and music competitions. Ted and Rose remained in Houston after their children were grown and moved across the country.

In 2004, Ted retired and spent time traveling with Rose and connecting with friends and family. He served on a planning committee hosting events that united his college fraternity brothers near and far. Ted was also active in his faith and attended many church activities with Rose. He was genuinely loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed being a "Lolo" to his three grandchildren and late grand pup, Tuck. He taught "Filipino style" mahjong to his three grandchildren and played countless rounds of chess with his grandson. He shared his favorite pastime, napping, with Tuck.

Ted is survived by his beloved spouse Rose; his sister Fil; his children Nikki (Hector) Gomez, and Kara (Leland) Brown; and three grandchildren. Additionally, Ted will be missed by The Knabe and Blair Families, nieces and nephews, his lifelong friends, fraternity brothers, friends from the Cy-Fair area, and community members from Ivy Point Retirement Community.

In celebration of Ted's life, relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 19222 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:30 am with a reception to follow. For those who can join after the reception, a brief ceremony will be held at the Klein Cemetery on Cypress North Houston Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ted's name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, an organization that supports research to help others also battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Click Here To Donate