Manuel Gonzalez's Obituary
GONZALEZ, Manuel, 80, died August 26, 2013. Manuel was born May 18, 1933 in Vadebois, Spain. He emigrated to Cuba at age 17, sought asylum in the U.S. in 1961 and later proudly became a U.S. citizen. In 1973 he founded Tampa's Florida Gardens Florist, which continues to flourish after 40 years. A devoted husband of 47 years, Manuel cherished his family. He was an avid fisherman and Bucs and Rays fan, but his love of sports began with soccer. He instilled his love of good food and cheer in his children and grandchildren who relished his filloas, paellas and barbecue.
Pre-deceased by parents Manuel and Maria GonzaIlez, brother Fernando and brother-in-law Caylor Wood. Survived by spouse Helen Wood Gonzalez, sons Eric (Jeniffer), Glen (Alley) and Alex (Danna); grandIchildren Emily, Eric Jr., Kaleigh and Calla; siblings in Spain Maria del Carmen (Santos), Andres, Paolino (Juli), Pepita (Jose Antonio), Mari Trini (Valentin); siblings-in-law Kenneth (Judy), Dwight (Vilma), Carmen, Darryl (Toby), Thalia (Steve King); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the U.S. and Spain. Pallbearers are his three sons, his grandson and Kenneth Wood, Juan Garmendia, Gustavo Avellan, Sr. and Jay Fossen. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 29 at St. Lawrence Church followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery In lieu of sending flowers for the funeral, the family suggests sending flowers to someone sometime to brighten their day. Donations may also be made to LifePath Hospice (Pink Team) or St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Boza & Roel Funeral Home 813-877-7676
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