John Manuel Gonzalez , born on June 15th, 1932 was lovingly embraced by the divine source as it welcomed him back to the earth on July 16th, 2025.
He was born in Ybor City, Florida, to Manuel & Josefina Gonzalez, the youngest of 9 children, and was a lifelong Floridian.
John was a teacher and Principal of Bardmoor Elementary School. He was also an Army Veteran and served in the Korean War. He was lifelong proud Democrat, always championing the underdog. He was a member the Suncoast Bible Presbyterian Church in Palm Harbor.
His memory is kept alive through interests which included love of the outdoors, nature, gardening, and was a true animal lover, even breeding Bull Mastiffs for a few years. John’s favorite sport was NFL football, specifically the Miami Dolphins during the Don Shula years, as well as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. It was one of his greatest thrills in life to meet his musical idol, Miguel Aceves Mejia in person and spend an evening talking with him and singing. He always cited one of the most important lessons he learned in life, advice from a General he met in the Korean War who told him: “ Don’t ever cow tow to anyone.” He was the last of his family to pass.
He is survived by Celeste & Darren (son in law) Mell, grandchildren, Loren & Santana Mell & fiancé, Emily Popovetsky, John D. Gonzalez; Steve Cash (partner to John), Howard Riddles, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and his church community. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Bonnie, that he shared with his grandson Loren.
We are reminded of the love for nature he fostered within our family and it is this that reminds us that wherever we go to seek peace that he is with us in all the forces that make up this beautiful planet.
