Ernesto Paul Gonzalez Jr.

Ernesto was born November 5, 1937, in Granada, Nicaragua, to Ernesto Sr. and Ninfa Gonzalez (Guillen), with siblings Teodora, Elvia, Jeanett, and Vicky. Soon after his birth, he and his family migrated to Panama City, Panama. He attended Colegio de la Salle academy, graduating in 1955. After graduation, he joined his family in immigrating to the United States and settled on Long Island. He met his wife, Patricia (Hanrahan), whom he later wed on October 7, 1961. He attended Long Island University – C.W. Post, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1961. He later attended Adelphi University, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration in 1970. Ernesto was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1961 to 1963. He was stationed in West Germany during the Berlin Crisis. During his service, he was an educator, teaching science and chemistry to his fellow soldiers so that they could complete their high school education.

He and his wife, Patricia, went on to form Captree Chemical Corporation on Long Island, NY, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer. He acted as a distributor and forged relationships with many manufacturers and suppliers to build one of the largest minority-owned businesses on Long Island. He took great pride in his work and achievements, receiving several awards for his contributions to the field, including a 1999 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. After a sale of his company and a hiatus from his work, he started Captree Puretech Solutions with his wife, Patricia, where he proudly served as President and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement.

Ernesto was known for his philanthropy, serving on the boards of directors of Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Southside Hospital (now South Shore University Hospital), among others. He chaired many fundraising events for these organizations and was passionate about his efforts, which positively affected the lives of the many who were served. He fathered two children: John and Jill. Ernesto was always known to be sociable. He enjoyed spending time with family and hosting gatherings with his many close friends where he was the star of the room. He enjoyed golf, cheering on the NY Jets, fishing, time on his boat, and time with his family and friends on Fire Island. He was the bedrock of his family and always taught others that family is the most important gift you could receive.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sister, Vicky; his children, John and Jill; his grandchildren, Lauren, John Jr., Cera, and Christina; as well as his great-grandchildren, Autumn Rose and Christopher John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Boynton Beach, FL, along with a burial with military honors at South Florida National Cemetery.

Donations to Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities (ACLD; Bethpage, NY) are kindly requested in lieu of flowers in Ernesto's memory.

Arrangements are by Riverside-Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Delray Beach, FL. [Online condolences may be shared at dignitymemorial.com]