Gonzalo Cabrera made Reliable Source feel like home

Mark Schoeff Jr.

July 01, 2020

Gonzalo Cabrera was a Reliable Source staff member for more than 30 years.

He didn’t actually have a home on the range, but Gonzalo Cabrera always made the Reliable Source feel like home for National Press Club members.

Cabrera, a waiter at the restaurant from 1984 until his retirement in 2016, became known as “Ranchero” thanks to a story spun by the late Club bartender Jack Kujawski, who would say that Cabrera was a wealthy landowner and rancher.

That yarn, which circulated among the bar and grill’s staff and patrons, is what first comes to mind when many of Cabrera’s friends and colleagues remember him. He died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel corona virus, on May 19, two weeks short of his 68th birthday.

“He was devoted to his family and enjoyed a good joke, once collaborating [with Kujawski] to persuade a new employee that his work at the Club was a sideline and he was actually the owner of a cattle ranch and vegetable farm,” said Reliable Source General Manager Mesfin Mekonen. “Gonzalo was a longtime valued and loved Press Club employee.”

Mekonen’s remembrance was echoed by many others in the Club community.

"The passing of Gonzalo and the beautiful tributes to him remind us that, at our core, we are family," said Club President Michael Freedman. "For more than 30 years, Gonzalo made our Club a better, warmer, happier home, as evidenced by the outpouring love expressed by all who knew him. Our thoughts, prayers and warm wishes are with his family."

Former Club President Mark Hamrick would kid Cabrera about his “Ranchero” moniker whenever he saw him.

“Whether it was joking about his would-be ranch or something else, Gonzalo never failed to bring smiles to our faces and a welcoming feeling to our hearts when visiting the Reliable Source,” Hamrick said. “I'll always remember his professionalism and gentle kindness, but ultimately his smile and laughter, which makes this loss all the more painful.”

A Welcoming Smile

Cabrera helped make the Reliable Source an inviting place.

“Gonzalo was part of a cadre of long-serving Reliable Source staff that has long given the place a Cheers-like vibe,” said former Club President Angela Greiling Keane. “He always had a smile and knew everyone’s name.”

Although he retired from the Club four years ago, Cabrera left an indelible mark on the Reliable Source.

“Gonzalo had a genuinely comforting presence that made a visit to the Reliable Source feel like stepping into your best friend’s living room,” said Club member Justin Duckham.

Cabrera also was an exemplary staff member.

"Gonzalo was a wonderful person of quiet dignity," said Club Executive Director Bill McCarren. "He was an outstanding part of the Reliable Source team who had a great capacity for making members feel welcome in their Club."

Club Affection

The affection for Cabrera was reflected in a fundraising effort for his June 12 funeral that resulted in a total contribution of $8,120. Many of the donors were Club members and staff.

“We are immensely grateful for all the support we received from the Press Club community,” said Zara Cabrera, Gonzalo’s daughter. “It's so touching to know that my father left a lasting impression on so many people. He is sorely missed.”

Gonzalo Cabrera was born in Intipuca, La Union, El Salvador, and immigrated in the mid-70s to Washington, where he stayed for the remainder of his life, his daughter said. He spent his career in the restaurant industry, starting as a dish washer, moving on to being a busser, and then becoming a line and prep cook.

He is survived by his wife, Aminta Cabrera, his daughters, Zara and Marisol Cabrera, four grandchildren and five brothers and sisters.