Julio Gonzalez's Obituary
Julio Gonzalez, Jr.,96, passed away February 25, 2014. He was born August 28,1917 in Tampa, FL.
Julio graduated from Plant High and served in the US Army during WWII. He was captured in France and was a POW. While on active duty, he met and married Sarah Hyde of Newnan, GA. He worked for Garcia Vega Cigar Factory and TECO for 41 years. After his retirement he moved to Indian Rocks Beach and afterwards to Seminole, FL. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Sarah of 65 years; sister Christina Randazzo; parents Julio and Carmela Gonzalez. Julio will always be remembered for his generous, welcoming attitude towards others. He taught us to embrace life and be happy, to live life without regret, to accept everyone without prejudices, and the meaning of integrity. A stranger he never met. Julio loved to fish and cook, and always wanted to share his catch with others! He would invite strangers off the beach to try his fish du jour. He was a strong-willed man, self sufficient, and led by what Julio thought was right. He will be missed by so many: son, Ron Gonzalez and daughter-in-law Mildred Cascante Salazar; daughter Pattie and husband Larry Brown; grandchildren Jessica Gonzalez, Kristy and husband Tadd Morganti; great-grandchildren Emily and Ella Morganti; sister-in-law Mavine Hyde; nieces and nephews JoAnn Tomaino, Betty Bradley, Gladys James, Corine Irvin, Ann Cloy, Jerry Randazzo, John Hyde, James Hyde and Jim Hyde; great and great-great nephews and nieces and godchildren. Throughout Julio's life, he performed acts of kindness that touched many people, such as Som Hart and Ana Badilla, both part of the Gonzalez family.
A service for Julio will be held on Saturday, March 1st, 2014, at Boza & Roel, Tampa. Visitation 3:30, service 4:00. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated to Alzheimer's Association or a charity of choice.
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