Death date: Sep 4, 2023
I remember taking military leave to come see my parents (Arcadio & Eraida Gonzalez) in Cutler Ridge. The first thing my Dad would say to me was “Hey let’s go see Felix!”. Felix would tell me stories of his military days. My visit to Miami wasn’t complete without going to see Felix with Dad. On behalf of the Gonzalez Family May you Rest in Peace. Love you always.
Ickito Gonzalez
Dear Family,
I had the pleasure (gift) of meeting the man JR because of my Sissy, Lupe. JR made such a wonderful impression on me that I will always think of him during my relective time when I think of how blessed I am to have met him. Although, I did not know him as intimately as most, I knew of his caring, thoughtful, strong, family loving, engaging characteristic side of him. God has put people like JR to remind us of what we can be while we walk on this good earth. Let a little of the goodness of JR flourish in us all.
JR watch us share your gifts but most of all rest now.
Your friend, Dee Davis
This memory is from Lupe Aponte:
What does one say about a hero.
I had 4 of them in my life. My dad and three loving brothers.
Growing up in Harlem had many challenges we had to face, but I always knew my three brothers had my 6.
Big brother Jr. was there always to make me and sisters feel safe.
Having Jr. living in the same state and only 42 miles away kept us in touch which meant great holidays together.
Jr lived for family get togethers.
What a wonderful cook he was.
No one could top his sofrito.
I would end out phone calls and tell him I love you,
He would say, I love you more.
Will miss you, you fought a good fight, and now like all good soldiers, time to rest.
Lupe
What does one say about a hero.
I had 4 of them in my life. My dad and three loving brothers.
Growing up in Harlem had many challenges we had to face, but I always knew my three brothers had my 6.
Big brother Jr. was there always to make me and sisters feel safe.
Having Jr. living in the same state and only 42 miles away kept us in touch which meant great holidays together.
Jr lived for family get togethers.
What a wonderful cook he was.
No one could top his sofrito.
I would end out phone calls and tell him I love you,
He would say, I love you more.
Will miss you, you fought a good fight, and now like all good soldiers, time to rest.
Lupe
I will always remember going to my uncle JR home to ring in the New year. This was always so much fun filled with amazing food, music, dancing and love. I will always cherish the good times. Love you forever uncle Junior ❤️ your niece Vanessa
I will always remember going to bring in the new year at you home uncle JR your home was the place to be and I loved it with all the great food, family and amazing music, dancing and a home filled with love and positive energy. I will miss you uncle JR. You are in my heart forever ❤️
I am swamped with so many memories of my sweet loving brother. It doesn't surprise me that he had two wonderful children who cared for him so well, as he also was a wonderful caring son to Mom and Dad
His greatest joy was having family visit, he enjoyed cooking his famous barbecues and playing his favorite music. Once while we were on one of our family cruises, he expressed his absolute joy at being able to be together with some of his siblings.
He was my official chaperone, If I was invited to a party, he had to go with me, I found myself being invited to parties by girls I hardly new.
Junior had a wonderful sense of humor, same as his brothers Ben and Orlando, who got it from Dad. very dry sneaky humor. He gave me a lovely, wrapped gift for my wedding. Knowing he liked to play jokes I was hesitant to open it. It turned out to be a potato peeler with a note saying it was a tool I should learn to use to keep my husband happy. Good advice as I had no idea what to do in the kitchen.
I love all my siblings unconditionally and every time one is called home, I feel diminished. Will miss you forever. Merch
JR was the type that would secretly tape a "kick me" sign to your back. But defend you, if anyone actually tried to kick you.
His pet name for me was knuckle head and he wasn't shy about using it in public.
"Hey, knuckle head you want some ice cream?"
Walk in peace big brother. I know you see the blue of the ocean now. Everything is clear.
Yolanda C.
My cousin Junior. That's what I called him. Although we didn't share the same last name, we did share the Gonzalez blood line. You were like my bug brother, and I always reminded you of that. You were my hero, and always looked up to you. When we communicated, we would talk about the old days and you would give me the family history, and would wow me. You were like an encyclopedia, and I learned so much from you of old school family members. Family members I was not aware of. I remember you as a kid in your Army Uniform and could not wait when I was old enough to wear a uniform as well. You will alway and forever be near and embedded in my heart. Brothers and cousins forever. Until we meet again Junior. There are more stories about the family you haven't finished telling me about. I will miss you, but I know you will always be next to me. Rest in Eternal Peace. Your cousin and little brother, Papo.
Tio JR was the first to take me fishing at the keys. He was the first to introduce us to pizza for breakfast to my mom's chagrin. Tio was full of life and exuberant joy to whoever was in his presence. Tio was funny and reminded me of Abuelito Felix.
