Name: Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions
Address: Gardena, CA

Soy el Pastor Jesús García y quiero dar en nombre de mi familia e iglesia HawthorneNaz, nuestras más profundas condolencias a toda la Familia Góngora, y damos a Dios gracias el haberlos conocido y el habernos permitido no solamente el abrir sus puertas de su hogar, sino también la de sus corazones.

El Señor le consuele, fortalezca y los llene de Su presencia para poder seguir adelante y siempre recordando todo lo que en vida fue nuestro muy amado amigo Derick Arthur Góngora.

Bendiciones!

Rev. Jesus Garcia
Filipenses 4:13

⸻

On behalf of my family and our church, HawthorneNaz, I would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire Góngora family.

We thank God for the privilege of having known you and for allowing us not only to enter your home, but also to be welcomed into your hearts.

It has truly been a blessing to share with your family during this season of life. We pray that the Lord will comfort you, strengthen you, and fill you with His presence, granting you the grace to move forward while always cherishing the precious memories of the life of our dearly beloved friend, Derick Arthur Góngora.

May the peace of God sustain you today and in the days to come.

God bless you all.

Rev. Jesús García

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

A lifelong learner, Derick pursued special technical education classes to strengthen his professional opportunities and went on to succeed in his workplace, rising through the ranks as a quality control technician and floor supervisor.
Derick’s story began in Belize, where his early years revealed the creativity, resourcefulness, work ethic, and love for family that would remain with him throughout his life. In his younger years in Belize, Derick was known not for discos or nightclubs, but for the quiet gifts and simple joys that shaped him. During high school, he worked alongside his father lifting and busting chicle at the BEC Warehouse, using the money he earned to buy artist oil paints. He was an artist and a painter at heart. Without the means to buy canvas or artist paper, Derick turned the walls and beaver board partitions of the family home into his easel and sketch pad. He gathered pieces of beaver board and plywood from carpenters’ scraps and even used the backs of floor coverings, linoleum, and marley to create his paintings. The family home became decorated with his original artwork: bouquets of flowers, local scenes, and profile portraits that reflected his imagination, resourcefulness, and love for beauty.

Derick was also a fisherman. In the early mornings, he and his fellow fishermen - Richard, Lincoln, Phillip, and Kent - would gather and set sail into the Caribbean Sea. By evening, each boy returned with his catch tied with a coconut frond, bringing food and blessing to the family table. Their fish were not sold; they were shared and enjoyed by their families. Those were happy days, remembered with fried fish and johnny cakes for tea and sere or boil-up for lunch. Though Derick was not known as a nightclub goer, he later danced on TikTok and Instagram and shared the videos with family and friends.

Derick will be remembered for the warmth he brought into every room, the generosity he extended without hesitation, and the steady love he gave to those

https://conta.cc/4fHBOOZ

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so lovingly lived, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, cousin, and friend, Derick Arthur Gongora. His presence brought comfort, strength, and joy to those who knew him, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who loved him.
Derick was predeceased by his wife, Aurora Gongora; his father, John Gongora; and his mother, Gwendolyn Courtenay. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory with tenderness and pride: his wife, Maria Gongora; his daughters, Jessita Gongora and Marlyn Munoz (Carlos); his grandchildren, Aurelio and Aurora Munoz, who were the pride and joy of his heart; his brothers, John (Jack), Ray, Glen, Phillip, Marco, and Aaron Gongora; his sisters, Linda Lewis, Jessita Gongora-Usher, Judith Gongora-Peterson, Maud Gongora Estrada-Bran, and Daniella Gongora Wesley; his cousins who were like brothers and sisters to him, Eric Courtenay, Julia Courtenay-Duncan, Mona Lisa Courtenay-Myvett, and Wilson Courtenay; and his loyal companion and trusted helper, John Stanley.
He is also remembered with love by many nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and in-laws, and countless devoted friends and followers whose lives were touched by his love, friendship, and example. 
This remembrance honors Derick’s life, his devotion to family, and the many cherished relationships he nurtured across Belize, the Caribbean, Central America, California, and throughout the United States. It is a tribute to the love he gave so freely, the lives he uplifted, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Derick was born in Belize City, Belize, and attended St. Ignatius Primary School and later St. John’s College. After graduation, he worked as the Financial Officer at the Belize City Council. He later migrated to Los Angeles, California, which became his home for many years before he eventually established residence in Gardena, California. A lifelong learner...

The love of a father will always be in our hearts

With your silly prank!! You definitely knew how to make us laugh tio! I love you!!!

You made sure to make my Quince memorable...

Your comadre always by your side laughing at all your jokes!! Compadre Derrick te voy a extrañar.

Fly high Derek. You were always a light . Keep shining bright! 
Deepest condolences to the entire family. 💐

My datalink friend, you left so suddenly. Your love and friendship will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and rise in glory. Your work is done.🙏🙏❤️❤️

Der.  You made an ordinary day in our lives extraordinary with your wittiness and cleverness.  We will miss the weekly unexpected twists, joys, and laughter on familiar subjects, we very much like debating on across the pond.  RIP good buddy.

Nena and old Bwai
UK

Belize Creole Culture
Our group mourns the passing of Derick Gongora, who left us yesterday. Derick was more than a member; he was a steady presence, a kind voice, and someone whose quiet strength touched everyone who crossed his path. He carried himself with humility, offered support without seeking attention, and brought a sense of calm wherever he stood. His contributions to our circle, both spoken and unspoken, will remain part of our shared memory. Today we honor his life, his character, and the legacy of goodwill he leaves behind. May his family find comfort, and may we continue to hold his name with respect and gratitude.

G Garrison Fuller: Derick and I were Facebook friends, but I knew him personally through many of our local Belizean events. He was a remarkable man, deeply committed to his country, devoted to his people, and proud of his culture. His absence will be felt by all who knew him. My sincere condolences go out to his entire family during this time of loss.

Belize In The Old Days
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, group members amen? Who will mourn for me and cry for me when I'm gone? My heart is heavy with grief this morning. A dear friend and an awesome Belizean, a member of this group went home to be with the Lord. Derick Gongora loved Belize and was always ready to help Belizean groups and causes whenever fundraising was involved. He had an awesome sense of humor and was fun to be around, He could talk fool with the best of them as we say in Kriol, and was the life of the party!

Frank Palacio

Cousin Derick Gongora,
 While with us, showed by his life actions and choices, what was most dear to his being.
With a gentle and faithful heart, Derick showed deep devotion to his beloved family and demonstrated the true meaning of living with purpose. In every decision, he placed his responsibility to care for his family at the center. His commitment to their well-being reflected the strength of his character and highlighted this legacy.
He leaves this legacy for us to uphold so that unity is achieved within our family and community.
A great privilege to have witnessed this visual life sermon of a Father who loved unconditionally.

FIL GONGORA

Will miss your vibrant Good mornings but will keep you close in my heart cuz no more good mawning!

OBITUARY

Derick Arthur Gongora

December 21, 1949 – July 15, 2026

Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions

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