Orlando Gonzalez

Orlando “Gonzy” Gonzalez, passed away from this life to his eternal home on September 15, 2019. Gonzy was born December 2, 1921 to Rosa Maria Level and Osvaldo Gonzalez and lived most of his early life in New York City. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp. At that time he married his first wife, Eileen O’Neill and they set up housekeeping on base in Jacksonville, FL. Gonzy served with distinction during WWII in the Pacific Theater as a Radar Mechanic with the 32nd Fighter Squad. After discharge from the service Gonzy started his career with Port Authority of NY and NJ In 1946. He moved up the ranks; in 1951 to sergeant; in 1964 to lieutenant. Upon retiring in 1977 he started his 2nd career with British Airways as head of security for the Concord. Then he enjoyed a 37 year retirement. Gonzy and Eileen had moved to Elmont, NY after his discharge and had one son, Thomas in 1948. They enjoyed traveling and visited most of the United States. Favorite places were Long Lake, NY and Hiwassee, GA. In 1987 Gonzy and Eileen moved to Palm Coast, FL (Sea Colony) to enjoy retirement on the Atlantic Ocean. Gonzy would help anyone in need, he was always generous giving of himself and thinking of others first. Gonzy loved life and lived it to the fullest. Age didn’t stop him in the least. When his first wife Eileen died in 2007, Gonzy at age 85 remarried again to Alice McGovern. Alice’s husband Jack died in 1994. Jack and Gonzy had been best friends since elementary school. Alice had said she wouldn’t remarry but even at 85, Gonzy was a charmer! Gonzy and Alice became snow birds spending half the year in Bedford and half in Palm Coast. Gonzy was a devoted Catholic his entire life. He was an alter server and choir boy in his youth. He was a communicate of Holy Name of Mary RC Church in Bedford and St. Anastasia Church in St. Augustine, FL. Gonzy loved music and all the songs of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. He honestly knew all the words to each of those songs. He won 1st prize at the Bedford County Nursing Home talent show with a duet of “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”. Gonzy loved to make people smile and laugh and he continued to do that all of his 97 years. He always said he was “fine” when asked and was not a complainer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his 1st wife Eileen, brother Osvaldo Gonzalez and best friend Jack McGovern. He is survived by his 2nd wife of 12 years Alice; a son, Thomas Gonzalez and his wife, Pat of Vankleek Hill, Ontario; two grandsons, Carl and Tim Gonzalez of Quebec; three step-sons, James McGovern and his wife, Judy of Bedford, Kevin McGovern and his wife, Trish, John McGovern and his wife, Kathleen; two step-grandsons, David McGovern and Daniel McGovern all of New Jersey; special cousin, Mary Schmitt of White Plains , NY; special nieces, Kathleen Dickinson of Henderson, NV and Patti Dickinson of Tinton Falls, NJ; special nephew, Gerard Clancy and his wife, Gale of Port Jefferson Station, NY; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. The Gonzalez/ McGovern family would like to thank Dr. Brian Buchanan, all the caring staff at Bedford County Nursing Home, and at Centra Hospice for their exceptional care, concern and kindness towards Gonzy. The family is very appreciative of all the prayers, love and support for Gonzy during his time at Bedford County Nursing Home, from family, friends and church family. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name of Mary RC Church, Bedford, VA on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 2:00 PM. In Lieu of flowers consider donations to D-Day Memorial, Bedford Hospice House, or Holy Name of Mary RC Church, Bedford.