Henry Gonzalez Jr.

Henry Gonzalez Jr. passed away on March 26, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jonadean Tramontana Gonzalez, his children; Teresa Gonzalez Fernandez, Mark Gonzalez (Karen), Henry Gonzalez III (Alyson), Erika Gonzalez Hooks (Kevin) and Joseph Gonzalez. A Sister, Yvonne Gonzalez Mendez (Charles of Santa Fe, NM, a son-in-law Gus Fernandez. He was the grandfather of 14 and the great-grandfather of 4.

He was born at Trelles Clinic on November 4, 1936 to Henry Gonzalez Sr. and Adelaida Perez Gonzalez.

"Cookie" as he was known to his friends, grew up in West Tampa. He attended Wilson Junior High School and graduated from Plant High School in 1955. Upon graduation he joined the Army National Guard and was stationed at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in West Tampa. He ultimately achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

After several entrepreneurial ventures he joined his father at Henry Gonzalez Plumbing Company and took over the business in 1969. The business grew dramatically under his leadership, eventually employing nearly 100 people. The company was responsible for helping build some of Tampa's first planned communities in Town 'N' Country and Carrollwood.

During his professional career, he attained a Master Plumber's License, a Class A Mechanical License and a Master Gas Fitter License. HE was a pioneer in his business and achieved many leadership roles in his industry.

He was State President of American Society of Sanitary Engineers, State President of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors, Chairman of City of Tampa Plumbing Examiners, President of Hillsborough County combined Examining Board, Chairman of Associated Building Contractors Apprenticeship Programs and Founder of the Central Florida Plumbing Academy.

Cookie pursued numerous community endeavors and served as Chairman of the Ybor City Redevelopment Agency. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as President of the Centro Asturiano Hospital and guiding it through one of its most successful years. He was a charter member of the Krewe of the Knights of San't Yago and served as both its Baron and its King.

His proudest accomplishment was his family. He played Santa Claus to all his grandchildren and his many nieces, nephews and children of his friends. Cookie's favorite past time was spending his time with the family at the beach or traveling to distant lands. His and Jonadean's constant and ever present companions on many of their travels were Tony and Faye Alessi. He remained very close friends with many of National Guard squad mates, and always held their friendship close to his heart. He endeavored to ensure his family a fulfilling lifestyle, to ensure his company and employees of a fair profit and wage, and to ensure the future of the community through unselfish leadership and example.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home -Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, Florida 33618, followed by a private graveside service at 12:00pm in Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, Florida 33610.

In Lieu of flowers, you can make contributions in Henry's name to the Alzheimer Association- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 1410 Roosevelt Blvd. # 709, Clearwater, Florida 33762.