Jose Pedro Gonzalez

Jose Pedro Gonzalez, 93, long-time resident of Las Vegas, died peacefully on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Jose was the loving husband of Petra Gonzalez (who preceded him in death) and loving father to three daughters and their families: Lillian Gonzalez-Roig and partner Janet Deely of Cedar Knolls, NJ; Estelle Bianchi and husband Bill Bianchi of Las Vegas, NV; and Dora Goldsmith and husband Dave Goldsmith of Rockaway, NJ. Jose is known as Alla “Aya” to four grandchildren (Andrew, Sarah, Sheri, and Terezina) and to four great-grandchildren (Anders, Liv, Lorenzo, and Thomas). He is also loved by a dozen other children whom he and wife Petra invited into their extended family. Surviving family members include nieces and nephews who affectionately refer to Jose as “Tio Pepe” and “Uncle Wonderful.” Additionally, Jose leaves behind many friends and acquaintances whom he easily befriended.

Jose was born on January 16, 1925 in Caibarien, a coastal town in northern Cuba. He was the son of a fisherman sailor, and spent his youth fishing, boating, and swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean. His early employment was in the tobacco industry, manufacturing the famous Cuban cigars. At age 22, Jose met and married Petra, the love of his life to whom he was married for 66 years. In 1957 Jose and Petra moved to the United States with their two small daughters, settling in New Jersey. Another daughter was born a few years later. In New Jersey, Jose was employed in management positions in manufacturing industries, most notably Charms Candy Company where he and Petra both managed departments for many years. In 1980 Jose and Petra moved to Las Vegas, where he worked in retail positions and assisted Petra with in-home daycare for neighborhood children. He eventually retired to become a full-time caretaker for Petra, as her health declined.

In later life, Jose enjoyed time with the family and his friends at assisted living, as well as major league baseball and Cuban dominoes. Jose was a devoted family man, a caring friend to those in need, and a person of deep spiritual beliefs. He was known to be witty and funny; yet also pensive and reflective, a man of deep emotions and intuitive thought. He lived well and loved well and will be sorely missed. A visitation will be held at Palm Northwest Mortuary, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, December 15th. A funeral service will follow immediately, from 11:00 am to Noon.