Angelo Gonzalez's Obituary
Angelo Gonzalez, of Wesley Chapel, FL. passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 80, on August 10, 2024, after a courageous 8-year battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was born at home, September 24,1943, on East 102nd St. in NYC, with the welcoming embrace of his Puerto Rican parents Matilde and Eduardo Gonzalez. He was number seven of eight beloved siblings who shared a tapestry of memories filled with laughter, positive influence and camaraderie with Eddie, Mary, Al, Carlos, Miguel, George and John.
In 1961, he graduated from the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, where he majored in music. As a student he learned to play the saxophone and clarinet and had the honor of playing at Carnegie Hall. Being raised in a family of service to others, his passion for learning and community service led him to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974 from Hunter College, NYC. In 1976, he earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Graduate School of Social Work at Hunter College.
Over his long illustrious career, with a strong social work background and building collaborative relationships, he began as director with the Recruitment and Training Program. He helped young men and women prepare for jobs in the construction industry, through various union apprenticeship programs. In 1978, he was director of the residential and non-residential programs at The South Bronx Job Corp Center for youth obtaining there GED and participating in vocational trainings. Later he served and excelled as Senior Level Executive with expertise in non-profit administration, corporate affairs and fundraising. He was a pillar and proud leader in the Hispanic and Non-Hispanic communities throughout New York City, New Jersey and Miami. He was able to accomplish his goals of developing strategies to bring quality of life to those less fortunate. He was Executive Director of Aspira of New York; Community Relations Manager, Coors Company, NJ; Executive Director of “La Casa de Don Pedro,” the largest Hispanic community-based organization in Newark, NJ; Community Relations Manager at Time Warner, NYC; Vice-President of the Institutional Advancement at Miami Museum of Science; Vice President of Financial Development at YMCA, Miami; Program Director at Cuban American National Council, Miami; finally, choosing to host international students at home with his wife Gladys, as he transitioned to retirement. His heart was huge and always made others feel loved, respected and appreciated both in his personal and professional life.
Angelo had a passion for music, which included classical, oldies, romance, Latin and jazz. He especially enjoyed listening to songs from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet among so many artists that touched his soul. He was a true New Yorker, always cheering the Knicks, Yankees and NY Giants. He was a great fan of tennis and enjoyed watching other sports. He loved the beach, going to the theatre, cooking, entertaining his beloved friends and family at home. He was a man of faith and loved attending service.
With all his roles, responsibilities and contributions to society, he was most proud of being father to his cherished children Armando and Elena, his daughter-in-law Melissa and his
precious two-year-old granddaughter, Isabella May, who calls him Pop Pop and who will carry on his legacy.
In 1995, Angelo married his friend and sweetheart Gladys, who was a social worker and educator. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter and strong support for each other till the final days of his life. Throughout the years, they traveled the world, and enjoyed the company of friends, neighbors and family, with faith being the central core of their 29 years of marriage.
Angelo is predeceased by his parents Matilde Vasquez Gonzalez, Juan Eduardo Gonzalez and his brothers, Eddie, Carlos, Miguel and Alberto (Al). He is survived by his wife Gladys, his daughter Elena, his son Armando, his daughter-in-law Melissa, his granddaughter Isabella May, and his three siblings, Mary, George and John, as well as a niece and nephews.
A service will be held on Thursday August 29, 2024, from 2:00-3:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 11005 N US Highway 301. Thonotosassa, FL 33592. 813-440-4973.
Following the service, a Celebration of Life for Angelo will be held at 4:00pm at The Ridge in the Wiregrass Clubhouse, 2909 Oakwood Preserve Drive, Wesley Chapel FL. where friends and family will gather to raise a glass to Angelo for a life well lived, share favorite memories, sweet words and feel the joy he brought to our hearts and lives.
The Gonzalez family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support that has been expressed in so many beautiful ways. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Angelo Gonzalez’s honor can be made to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/AngeloGonzalez. For those that prefer to send a check, mail to 230 East Ohio St. Suite 500, Chicago, IL. 60611. ATT: Jake Meding, Annual Fund Director or call 312-854-2627. Please include Angelo’s name on the memo.
You can also donate to Gulfside Hospice that provided excellent care to Angelo at home. Donations may be made securely online at https://www.flipcause.com/secure/fundraiser/ODgzNDg=/99941 or call 727-845-5707. For those sending a check, mail to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL. 34639. ATT: Katya Guillaume. Please include Angelo’s name on the memo.
Note: This Celebration of Life will be live streamed beginning at 2:30pm on Thursday, August 29th.
If you would like to view, please click here: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/103942/hash:F5F291BD2E06A72C
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