Israel Gonzalez Lopez, born on November 19, 1932, in Isabela, Puerto Rico, passed away at the age of 93 on January 8, 2026. A resident of Tampa, Florida, Israel was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Israel enlisted in the army in 1952. Soon after, he was deployed to Korea and served under the 65th Infantry Regiment, a largely Puerto Rican unit, fondly nicknamed the Borinqueneers. It was one of the last segregated units that bravely fought despite facing discrimination. That same year he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat action. In 2016, he earned the Congressional Gold Medal recognizing honor and fidelity to his country. In 1956, Israel made the change to serve in the US Air Force, where he retired after a combined 26 years. Israel went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Science at the University of Puerto Rico of Mayaguez. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1986. He then worked 24 years at the James A Haley Veterans’ Hospital as a Medical Technologist, completing a total of 50 years of Federal Service. Israel loved to socialize with friends. He enjoyed music, dancing, playing cards and dominoes, and competing in racket ball.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years and 10 months, Genara Gonzalez, and his cherished daughters, Wilma Tillery (Larry), Wilsa De Armas (Louis), and Awilda E. O'Leary (Elwin Hoover). Israel's legacy continues through his grandchildren, Brent Woodbury (Tammy), Jenelle Woodbury, Roxanne Moreira (Juliano), Monica Wilber (Ben), Marissa O'Leary (Stephanie Shealy), Paul O'Leary, III (Trinity), and Kathryn O'Leary (Andrew Riggar). He was also a proud great-grandfather to Sophie Chamorro and Isabella, Caleb, Joshua and Moses Moreira.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, located at 12690 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, on January 17, 2026, at 12:00 pm. A Committal Service with Military Honors will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Highway 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, date and time pending.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, which can be done through their website at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.
Israel's memory will be forever cherished by his family and friends.
