Jose Adolfo Gonzalez

Jose Adolfo Gonzalez Sr. P.E. passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on October 17, 2021, with his family at his side at Sunrise Senior Living Community. He was born on September 27, 1923 in Havana, Cuba. He was preceded in death by his loving wife (the love of his life) of 68 years, Norma Gonzalez Rodriguez. He was the devoted father of three (3) children: Jose A. Gonzalez Jr ( Juanita ), Alex A. Gonzalez ( deceased ) and Norma Cannizzaro ( Leon ) who affectionally called him “ Papi “ ( Daddy ). Jose is survived by seven (7) grandchildren and eighteen (18) great-grandchildren, all whom called him “ Abuelo “ ( Grandpa). Even though he was born in Havana, he spent a good part of his childhood in the picturesque seaside village of Luarca in northern Spain, where his parents ( Jose and Josefina ) were from. He had fond memories of his youth period in this village, as well as Cuba, as he always told stories about both places. In 1946, he graduated from the University of Havana with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. In December, 1960, he immigrated with his family ( as exiles ) to the United States, fleeing the communist regime of Fidel Castro. While working during the day, he attended Tulane University at night. In 1969, he received a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University. Even though the family had lost everything they had in Cuba and arrived in this country (U.S.) with little or no resources to start a new life, neither he nor Norma ( wife ) ever demonstrated any regrets. Hard work and dedication allowed the family to flourish/prosper. His “motto”, as well as Norma’s was simple: Get a good education, work hard all the time, be honest, possess a good attitude, and good-hearted people will notice. With this “motto” and some good Samaritans along the way, the family prospered. He and Norma were extremely proud of their accomplishments in a land that had adopted them and provided opportunities to succeed. He spent his career as a Civil Engineer in the fields of design and construction. He also taught construction engineering related courses at Delgado Community College in New Orleans at night for several years. He retired from the Streets Department in New Orleans after serving numerous years as a public servant in their construction division, as the head of the division. Soon after retirement, Jose and Norma travelled the world visiting several continents. He and Norma loved the U.S., truly the land of opportunities for those willing to work hard, they would often say. They became proud U.S. citizens along with their children as soon as they were able to do so. They were very proud of this. Jose lived a long, happy life and got to see the fruits of his success in his children and grandchildren. Surely, he is now reunited with his loving wife, his son Alex, and his parents in heaven. They are enjoying Cuban coffee and music and are smiling while looking down on their family.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the staff members at Sunrise Senior Living of Metairie for caring for him and loving him for the years he was a part of their family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Jose to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org).

Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 755 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. Inurnment will be private. Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.greenwoodfh.com
 

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