Antonio Gonzalez, 86, of Tampa, Florida passed away on August 13, 2022 at the home that he shared with his daughter, Maria Gonzalez-Jenkins and son-in-law Robert Jenkins following a duration of dialysis treatments for 10 plus years. He was born on March 6, 1936 in Utuado, Puerto Rico, the son of Josefa Heredia Montalvo and Agapito Gonzalez Martinez. In 1956, he married the “love of his life”, Carmen M. Santiago, they shared 45 wonderful years together. The pure love they shared has served as an example for those that witnessed it.
Antonio is survived by his loving family: 4 sons; Jose Gonzalez, Reynaldo Gonzalez, Gerardo Gonzalez and Luis Gonzalez; 2 daughters, Maria Gonzalez and Iris Gonzalez; 24 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Antonio is preceded in death by his loving wife, Carmen Santiago, his parents and 2 siblings.
Antonio worked in the agriculture field for the Government of Puerto Rico and during his early years he volunteered his services at the church where he and his family witnessed his love and caring nature towards others. During his life time he lived for many years in Puerto Rico, New York, Ohio, New Jersey and finally residing in Tampa, Florida. His hobbies and interests were baseball, fishing, he loved playing dominoes (he was tough to beat), spending quality time with family, making people laugh, he loved to cook and was an exceptional teacher, he taught his family how to make some of the most delicious Latin cuisine including his famous arroz con dulce. He loved listening to music and watching old western movies.
Some of his achievements were providing for his family, taking care of his loving wife, seeing his family accomplish their goals. His proudest achievement was teaching his family the love of Christ, being a prime example of it and seeing it resemble in the lives of his loved ones. Antonio was very grateful to have many years of his life surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Antonio was unique for his willingness to always help those in need. Always being a positive role model, loving husband and father to his children. His sense of humor will be missed.
The family acknowledges and would like to give thanks to his family and friends, that loved him wholeheartedly. A special thank you to the family that devoted themselves throughout the years to provide care and giving him all of the little things his heart desired from his food cravings, the special outings and the quality time that was spent with him.
Memorial contributions may be made directly to Maria Gonzalez, his daughter.
Antonio left an awesome legacy that is admirable. He was loved by many and will be remembered always in our hearts.
Antonio’s funeral will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11AM at Grace Family Church, 8610 Temple Terrace Highway, Temple Terrace, Florida with Pastor Christian, to officiate. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 10:30 AM.
Every one will then assemble at the Orange Hill Cemetery, 4900 East Chelsea Street, Tampa, Florida for the committal service with Pastor Dwane Cardenas to officiate. There will be NO procession to the cemetery from the church
I will always keep special loving memories of my grandpa a man of God and a man that truly loves his family an the church of Christ
I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the Gonzalez family. May God comfort you all in the knowledge that he is reunited with Hermana Carmen, in the presence of our Lord.
I lost my father at an early age in my life and Antonio filled that fatherly gap,for this I am and will always be grateful to Antonio Gonzalez and I am proud to call him my father-in-law🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Antonio Gonzalez, gran ser humano, hermano de la fe, amigo hermano, padre,abuelo,suegro,Rio,esposo, doy fe de que fue un gran ser humano dedicado a au familia, recuerdo muy claro cuando me todo cuidar de mi madre sus plabras, “Manuel cuidala hasta el ultimo momento de su vida se un buen hijo y Dios te lo recompensara” Gracias Viejito x tu amor q nos bindaste sin nada a cambio.
Mis más profundas condolencias para toda la familia. Que Dios le de la paz que buscan y necesitan en el medio del dolor.
Dios les bendiga
My grandfather was always great with his humor I’m upset I never did learn the Spanish language so I can talk to him with no issue but I still have great memories from him when he used to live with us when I was still in elementary school it was his dulce de leche that I took to school to share with the class I will miss it I loved playing dominoes but of course as it’s mentioned he was undefeated. Reading this page has helped me learn about his past a little more and I’m grateful for it. Thank you I already miss him a lot.
When visiting the area, I always wondered how your loved one was doing. Such a genuine, quiet and warm spirit with sych a big heart. I pray your family’s continued strength and healing. My condolences!
“What we have once enjoyed we can NEVER lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”