Noel Gonzalez

We are sad to announce that Noel Gonzalez, passed away at home in Moreno Valley, on March 26,2024 due to natural causes. Noel died at the age of 57 and will be extremely missed by his family and friends. Noel was born in New York, New York and was one of ten siblings of Manuel Virola and his Wife, Francisca Rivera. In 1971, the family relocated to California where he lived until his passing. Noel attended Menlo Atherton High School and was the proud school Mascot who inspired and cheered for others as he would throughout his life. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation and the National Defense Service Medal. Noel was a Turbofan Jet Engine First Degree Repair/IMA Mechanic throughout his Naval career. Outside of the Navy, Noel was an officer for the Santa Ana Police Department and a banker for Union Bank and Citizen’s Business Bank. Noel was an attentive son who was passionate about taking care of his Mom and Dad. Noel was a creative storyteller that entertained and created a fun environment for his many nephews and nieces who lovingly called him “ONO”. As a Treki, Noel enjoyed everything and anything Star Trek related and had the costumes to prove it. Noel loved to travel and enjoyed all his adventures around the world.

Noel was predeceased by his mom, Francisca Rivera and his brothers Luis Rivera and Wilfredo Gonzalez. Survived by his father, Manuel Virola, brothers Carlos, Manuel II, and Eliezer (Tina), and sisters Marisol (Nick Sr.), Madeline (Jim), Judy (Ernie), Daisy (Rick) and many nephews and nieces. Not forgetting the close nit relationships, he had with his friends.

We ask that you please share your memories and any photos you may have on diginitymemorial.com.

A visitation for Noel will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00PM at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E Washington St. Colton, CA 92324.

A burial with military honors be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518.

I Am Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

to follow the path God made for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

to love, to laugh, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

for I found peace at last, that day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembering joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with hearts of sorrow.

My wish for you is the hope of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

good friends, good times,

a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed much too brief,

don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wants me now --- He’s set me free.