More detail on this person: GONZALEZ, Ralph F., Sr. passed away peacefully from this world on May 2, 2024, after a long battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Ralph Felix Gonzalez, Sr was born in Tampa, Florida on July 17, 1941, to Ralph Barredo Gonzalez and Zenaida Gonzalez. He was the first of 3 children. His sisters, Iliana and Deena came shortly thereafter. He spent his early formative years in Tampa where his father worked in Insurance and was very close to his large extended family in Tampa. The family moved to Lakeland, Florida where he graduated from Lakeland High School in 1958. He then attended Florida Southern in Lakeland, FL. After leaving there he moved to Point Barrow, Alaska to work on the Distant Early Warning System (DEW line). After this, he volunteered for service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He completed flight school, became a Warrant Officer and ultimately served as a combat helicopter pilot in 1967-68. He returned home and was a flight instructor for the remainder of his time in the military. After being honorably discharged from the military and the birth of his first 2 children, he returned to Tampa and completed his BA in Business from the University of South Florida in 1973. He then went to work for Exchange bank and then transitioned to an esecutive position in the family business. During this time, his daughter, Sara was born. After many years in the position, he decided to return to Alaska where he lived for several years before returning home to take care of his ailing father. After the passing of his father, he spent time with family, enjoying retirement and ultimately met Denise Williams who he married on December 31, 2016. She was his constant loving companion and was always at his side during the diagnosis and progression of his dementia. Due to her unwavering care, he was able to remain in the home that he has owned since 1979 until his death. His life came peacefully to an end on May 2, 2024, in the presence of Denise and his daughter Sara. He is survived by his wife, Denise, sons, Ralph F. Gonzalez Jr, Adam N. Gonzalez, daughter, Sara Gonzalez, daughter-in-law, Christine Gonzalez and 6 grandchildren, Tyler, Nicole, Cory, Daemon, Zenaida, and Rachel. In life he was an avid artist, photographer and an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association. Celebration of his life will be held at the funeral home, 1602 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL on June 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association or National Aphasia Association.
This information was last updated 06/25/2024
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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024
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