SAN ANTONIO – Fiesta icon J.J. Gonzales, also known as “Mr. Chicken,” died early Sunday morning after a battle with cancer, his family told KSAT.
Gonzales’ daughter confirmed to KSAT that he died around 12:45 a.m. Sunday. He was 50 years old.
“San Antonio will never forget him,” friend Joe Moncada said. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
Gonzales was known for his involvement with A Night in Old San Antonio. He would serve up San Antonio’s iconic chicken on a stick, a longtime favorite among attendees.
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“He brightens up the room,” Moncada said. “He was strong with his faith, family, friends, gosh, the list goes on.”
In a previous interview with KSAT, Gonzales explained that everyone who works for the event does so as a volunteer, and all proceeds support the Conservation Society of San Antonio.
“We give of our time, and I know that’s me. I can only speak for myself but that’s my way of giving back to San Antonio,” Gonzales previously told KSAT. “I love my city.”