Cristian "Cris" Engelbert Gonzalez

Cristian “Cris” Engelbert Gonzalez

A Gentle Giant -

Cristian “Cris” Engelbert Gonzalez, age 46, of Mechanicsburg, passed away at home on Friday, July 5, 2019.  Cris was born on Saturday, April 14, 1973 in Guanacaste, Costa Rica to Virginia T. (Gonzalez) Honegger.  His maternal grandmother, Balsamina Artavia; his paternal grandfather, E. Frank Honegger; and his faithful canine companion, Zion, precede him in death.

Cris’s survivors include his wife of six years, Kimberly “Kim” Ann (Kessler) Gonzalez; his daughter, Isabella Balsamina Gonzalez; his parents, Martin and Virginia Honegger of Camp Hill; his brother, Daniel “Dan” Honegger of Panamá; and his paternal grandmother, Barbara Honegger.

Cris graduated from Cedar Cliff High School as part of the class of 1992 and from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts as well as an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Technology.  He advanced in the field and achieved his license to become a Journeyman Electrician working on various projects throughout the region.  He also enjoyed his role as a stay-at-home dad raising his young daughter, Bella.  Cris adored his little girl and loved being home with her but he also admitted that it was one of the most difficult things he’s ever done.  He was a hard worker and an amazing husband who relentlessly took care of his family.

Cris loved gardening, going to the beach, listening to music, and playing sports, as he was quite the athlete and a devoted Cowboys fan. Cris was a devoted member of the Christian faith who loved Jesus and reading the Bible.  He was also very artistic and enjoyed expressing himself through drawing, painting and sculpting.  As a lover of food, Cris was a rather talented chef and was always cooking for his family.  He will be remembered for his crazy sense of humor and his bigger than life presence.  At the end of the day, despite his large persona and gregarious nature, he was a gentle person, or in other words - a gentle giant.

All are welcome to join Cris’s family at his viewing on Friday, July 12, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a service to begin at 12:45 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, 1050 South York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor John A. King and Pastor Susan Vigliano officiating.  Burial will follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Mechanicsburg.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Caleb Cress, Daniel Cress, Jr., Daniel Cress, Sr., Jared Cress, Daniel Honegger, Martin Honegger, and Joe Kessler.  Cris’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship back at the church immediately following the burial.

Contributions in celebration of Cris’s life and his love of animals, donations can be made to the ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929, www.ASPCA.org/Donate.

Cris’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Cris’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.