Mr. Orlando Ramon Gonzalez

Orlando Ramon Gonzalez, a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 96.

Born in Cuba in 1928, Orlando grew up with a deep love for his homeland and a steadfast belief in political freedom. His opposition to the communist and socialist regime placed his family at risk, and in 1960 he made the difficult decision to leave Cuba. From that moment on, he embraced the United States with gratitude and pride, eventually achieving one of his greatest joys—becoming a U.S. citizen.

In 1953, Orlando married the love of his life, Hortensia Tuero. Together, they welcomed their son, Orlando Jr, in Havana, and their daughter, Lizi, in Brooklyn, New York. Determined to reunite his family, Orlando worked three jobs to cover the costs of bringing his loved ones safely to America, where they too could share in the freedoms he cherished.

Tragedy struck in August 1968 while the family was on vacation, when a car accident claimed the life of his beloved wife Hortensia. Though grief weighed heavily, Orlando’s devotion to his children gave him the strength to endure. His love for them never wavered; it only deepened, and those early years of raising Orlando Jr. and Lizi stand as a testament to his strength and devotion as a father.

Orlando built a successful career at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, where he combined his finance background with hard work and ingenuity. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became manager of the Check Clearing Department. After retiring in 1980, he moved to Miami to be closer to family and begin a new chapter.

There, he found companionship with Joan, with whom he shared nearly 40 years. Together they raised her two sons, Mark and Anthony. Just as he had with his own children, Orlando guided them with love and instilled in them his core values—family, respect, hard work, and loyalty.

Family was Orlando’s greatest treasure. He believed deeply that it was both a refuge and a responsibility, and he worked tirelessly to pass along that conviction.

He is survived by his son, Orlando Jr; his daughter, Lizi; his stepsons, Mark and Anthony; fourteen grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Orlando’s life was defined by perseverance, sacrifice, and above all, love. He taught us that no matter the challenges, family would always be both the reason and the reward for enduring them. His memory will live on in the generations he nurtured, in the stories told around the table, and in the enduring bonds of love he helped create.

Forever in our hearts—his strength and devotion live on through the family he cherished. Siempre en nuestros corazones.