Flamen Dialis Gonzalez

Flamen Dialis Francisco de Asis González Más of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away on Thursday, September 10, at the age of 98 years old. He was born on December 31, 1927, in Habana, Cuba, where he grew up in the historical Lawton neighborhood to parents Paulino González Báez and Juana Maria Más y Palau and met his wife of over 60 years.

He studied electrical engineering at La Universidad de La Habana from 1948 to 1955, earning honors in his coursework. However, beginning in 1952, Cuba's increasingly volatile political climate led to repeated class suspensions and cancellations, culminating in the university's closure for three years starting in 1956. As a result, he was unable to complete the requirements for his degree. From 1958 to 1960, he worked as a Transmission and Maintenance Operator for Channel 12, which operated from the Habana Hilton Hotel.

Witnessing the profound political, social, and economic transformation undergoing Cuba, he immigrated to the United States in June 1960, settling in Jersey City, New Jersey. He worked as a maintenance operator for four major companies over a span of 15 years: Emerson Radio, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, RCA, and Hartz Mountain Corporation. He later became the sole proprietor of F&L Liquors in Union City, operating the business for approximately five years, followed by a brief venture into real estate. He also served in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jersey City, as a Deacon until deciding to retire to Miami Springs, Florida, in the 1980s.

There, he was actively involved in Republican and Conservative political meetings and fundraising efforts. He served as a Recording Secretary for the Cuban Exile Organization, Comando Martiano Recuperacion Democratica. Beyond politics, mathematics and Sudoku puzzles, he is affectionately and respectfully remembered for his exceptional sense of direction—so much so that family members have joked that he was the original human GPS. Most notably, he was a proud American and a true patriot.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leticia Girona de González, who passed away in Miami, Florida, on August 5, 2018, at the age of 94. He is survived by Leticia’s son, William Lopez; their youngest daughter, Connie F. González; and their eldest daughter, Denise C. González-Fernández, who devotedly served as his caregiver.

Denise would like to express her gratitude to her husband, John, for his unwavering support in honoring her father's wish to have lived in the comfort of their home a little over the past five years, especially during his final days. She also extends her sincere appreciation to the staff of VITAS Hospice, especially his case manager, Tonya, whose compassionate weekly visits and attentive care brought relief not only to him but to her family through his final day.

No interment is planned.

Although fruit, flowers, cards, and other kind expressions are greatly appreciated, please consider donating in his honor to VITAS Healthcare.