Ramon Gabriel Gonzalez

On November 17, 1961, Ramon was joined in holy matrimony to Nereida Torres-Lugo in Puerto Rico and in due time, both made their way to Chicago, IL for a better life and opportunities and to raise a family.

Ramon was an avid reader and dedicated student where as a young boy he would walk several miles to school each day and was able to graduate high school which was uncommon for young men his age in Puerto Rico at that time.

Upon arriving to Chicago, he held several jobs including working in a book-binding factory and tried his hand in selling wing-tipped shoes door to door to provide for his young family which included two young sons.

In 1970, Ramon gained employment with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) as a bus operator, which he did for a number of years before taking a position as an office clerk at the Merchandise Mart (CTA headquarters) until his retirement in 1996 after 26 years of dedicated service.

Ramon had aspirations of being involved in law enforcement and enrolled at the University of Illinois - Chicago Circle Campus where he completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in Criminal Justice.

However, his career aspirations changed dramatically when he had a personal encounter with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and some time afterwards, he felt a calling to the ministry.

After years of faithful and dedicated service, through prayer, learning and teaching, he became a credentialed minister and Reverend with the Assembly of Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ, Inc. (AIPJ) as well as with Open Bible Churches which led him to become a Co-pastor and Pastor in both organizations. In his later years, Ramon and Nereida became members of Liberty Christian Center where Ramon’s cousin, William Vazquez was the pastor where they both served faithfully until they both had to retire from ministry due to declining health.

Ramon was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and to his family and close friends, he was known as Gabriel. He will be remembered for his thoughtful, Godly wisdom and advice and his calling and service to ministry which dominated the second-half of his life.

A few years ago, Ramon was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and over time, his memory and cognitive abilities were slowly impaired, but if someone would start to sing a Spanish hymn or corito, he would start singing along. The same happened when someone would start to pray, he would begin to pray as well, which was a beautiful manifestation of God’s grace even when there would be days he couldn’t recognize his loved ones…but he never forgot about God!

One of Ramon’s favorite verses he loved to quote was John 14: 1-6 (NKJV) with verse 2 stating the following: “In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Our family rejoices as we know Ramon has made his way to the mansion his Savior prepared for him and is in everlasting peace.

Ramon is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Nereida of 64 years, his sons Ramon Jr. and Julio Antonio, grandson Gabriel Anthony, granddaughter Giselle Adriana and his sister Glicelia “Celia” Rivera.

He was preceded in death by his parents Antonio Gonzalez and Maria Torres and siblings Juan Gonzalez, Manuel Gonzalez, Ramon “Moncho” Torres, Fernando “Nando” Torres, Juanita “Guita” Gonzalez, Josefina “Fina” Ruiz and Joesfina “Finita” Quinonez.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2016 from 4-8pm with a memorial service beginning at 6:30pm at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, 6901 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634.

A final farewell service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 10am - 12pm at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home followed by his internment at Irving Park Cemetery, 7777 Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60634.

All flowers and correspondence should be sent to Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home and please reference Ramon Gabriel Gonzalez.