Obituary of G. John Gonzalez
G. John "Speedy" Gonzalez, age 78, of Joliet, passed away Monday, November 21, 2022 at Meadowbrook Manor in Bolingbrook, with his loving family by his side.
John was born April 26, 1944 in Joliet, to Gilberto and Rita Lucinda (Diaz) Gonzalez, and was a 1963 graduate of Joliet Township High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving with the 225th Maintenance Company.
He was a member of IBEW Local #176 and worked for the former Nelson Tree Service, and later with Asplundh Tree Expert Company maintaining power lines for Commonwealth Edison.
Growing up in Joliet, he would spend all day exploring Highland Park, Pilcher Park and Ingalls Park, and enjoyed playing baseball with all the neighborhood kids. His love for the parks extended into adulthood where he would go for his daily drive to enjoy his morning coffee. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was meticulous in maintaining his yard and taking care of his truck. John was also a talented cook, famous for his chili, and generous in sharing what he cooked with family and friends. He also enjoyed his membership at the Ingalls Park A. C.
Surviving are his loving brothers and sisters, Tom Lopez of Joliet, Paul (the late Isabel) Lopez of Sarasota, FL, Marie (Robert) Briick of Germantown Hills, IL, Maria Natalie (Dr. Eugene) Lambert of Germantown Hills, IL, Alice (the late Ralph Freund) Arnold of Joliet, and Michelle (the late Ralph) Murray of Joliet; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Beatrice Gonzalez and Amelia Castillo; and a nephew, Brian Lopez.
Visitation for John will be held Monday, November 28, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 Noon, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Noon, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army.
Memorials in his name to Wounded Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org) or Lightways Hospice (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
