Carlos M. Gonzalez

Carlos Manuel “Noly” Gonzalez, was born in Colon Matanzas, Cuba, in March of 1940 to loving parents Constantino Gonzalez and Manuela Lopez Molina. He was an extraordinary man who loved deeply. He dedicated his life to work and family, approaching every opportunity with passion and commitment. As a child, he would deliver warm bread throughout the city with his Abuelo every morning. Later, he received an opportunity of a lifetime when he was hired by Manuel Cartalla as a youngest to ever work at the bank in Colon: he was only a teenager at the time. He was a lifelong learner, entrepreneur, businessman, author and poet. Faith, love and generosity led him through life. His love for his native country of Cuba inspired much of his life’s work, but his gratitude for America was endless. This country brought him freedom, which enabled him to lead a life of faith and pursue his dreams. Carlos exemplified a life defined by devotion, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Family was the true cornerstone of Carlos’s life. He leaves behind the love of his life: devoted wife of nearly sixty years, Sonia Hermenia Guerra. They were married on December 3, 1967. Due to the political crisis in Cuba, they decided to marry only three days prior to his departure from the country, in hopes that they could eventually be together. One year later he was able to bring her to the US where they were finally able to begin their lives together.They shared a lifetime of kindness, generosity and love, standing as an example of a love that could conquer all: a marriage with God at the center that exemplified patience, compassion and understanding. They were never apart, living out their vows daily. Their love was unconditional, endless. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love 1 Corinthians 13:13

His legacy continues through his greatest blessing, his family. He is survived by his children and their loving spouses: daughters, Sonia Gonzalez Santiago (Felix) and Elizabeth Gonzalez Phillips (Ken), his son, Carlos Manuel Gonzalez, Jr. (Nicole). His grandchildren, who were his greatest joy, include Nicholas Santiago, Christopher Santiago, Emily Gonzalez, Jonathan Santiago, Ryan Gonzalez and Joseph Gonzalez. Beyond his immediate family, he is survived by a large extended family, including his younger sister Elba Morejon, sister-in-law Zoraida Gonzalez and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins along with many friends who were like family.

Carlos was a man of great integrity who took tremendous pride in his life's work. He was one of the first Cuban American immigrants to establish businesses here in Palm Beach County. He opened his first furniture store, Quality Furniture, in 1972 and later went on to own three stores while also moving into real estate development and construction. Palm Beach New Homes was later established in 1976, as the beginning of his career as a home builder. From selling furniture at his stores, to building and selling homes, his legacy of hard work left Palm Beach County a better place. His work as a general contractor provided homes for thousands of families over his fifty-year career, making home ownership possible for many who could only dream of this opportunity. Beyond construction, he worked as both a realtor and mortgage broker, alongside many other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Aside from his professional work, his passion for Cuba and family continued into his later years, fulfilling a lifelong dream by publishing original works. Within the last decade, he authored three books: Destruyan a Castro - Salven a Latino America; which brought historical context to his mission to free Cuba of communism; El Era Mi Capitan: a collection of poetry, and Mis Andanzas Por La Vida: a collection of original proverbs.

Carlos will be remembered as a pillar of strength, a source of gentle wisdom, and a man whose love knew no bounds. His generosity extended beyond his family to many friends who loved him deeply. For many years he and Sonia supported fundraising efforts for the longstanding "Liga Contra El Cancer", often seen out collecting donations or holding events to raise funds for this organization they loved. He never knew a stranger, and anyone welcomed into his home was made to feel like family. He helped many establish their own businesses and pursue dreams they never imagined possible. Carlos was an encourager and a dreamer; if he had a conversation with you, he made you feel you could accomplish anything. He knew that trusting in The Lord would help anyone find their true path in life, and he shared that with everyone he met. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

It is difficult to fully express everything he meant to our family and all those who knew him. The pain we feel over this immense loss is deeper than anything we’ve ever known because the love he shared was beyond measure. May you rest in peace, Carlos. We love you and carry tremendous gratitude for the generosity and deep love you gave us in life. The tremendous example you set as a man of God, loving father and husband, and generous spirit will carry us for generations to come. His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:21

On behalf of our family, we ask for continued prayers as we navigate this deep loss. We are eternally grateful to all who have supported us and loved us throughout our lives and now in this difficult season. Thank you for the immense outpouring of love you’ve shown our family.