Salvador Gonzalez

He was born in Jobabo, Cuba on March 2,1933 to Benedicto and Maria Dolores Gonzalez. His parents immigrated from Leon, Spain as newlyweds and settled in Cuba where they raised 8 children until the untimely death of Benedicto. After his passing, Dolores raised the young children on her own, instilling in them a strong faith in God and devotion to their family and each other. The siblings remained very close throughout their lives.

Salvador married his love, Candida Rodriguez, on October 30,1960. They had four children, Raquel, Maria Teresa, Salvador and Rosa. Salvador and Candy gave them unconditional love and support. His children have loved and cared for him greatly, and will miss him tremendously - Grateful and honored to call him their father.

Salvador has three grandsons that brought him great joy, Robert Salvador Neal, Alexander William Knowles and Jack Henry Neal. They will miss their Abuelo beyond measure. The abundant memories of farm days and Abuelo’s “consejos” will never be forgotten.

In 1969, Salvador and Candida immigrated to Brooklyn, NY escaping communism. They were met by their young daughter, Raquel, who was sent before them to start the process of claiming her family. Sending Raquel ahead was a source of great pain, but it enabled them to live in freedom and start again.

Being exiled from their country was very hard for the young family. Leaving behind his farms and the beloved country he called home, changed him in a way that most will never understand.

In those first years in Brooklyn, Salvador worked at a factory then he opened a bodega. He worked very hard to establish himself and build a life for his family. He took pride in knowing through his hard work and the opportunities this country afforded him, he was able to provide and sustain his family.

After a family member discovered a sleepy little rural town called Naples, the family moved to Florida in 1975, where he lived happily for nearly 50 years. Salvador opened a bodega in Naples, named Tenth Street Grocery. For over 30 years, he worked tirelessly long hours everyday at the store. His patrons loved “Kojak” (or as some would call him, "Cuba") and appreciated his incredible generosity and willingness to help them. His Tenth Street family was very important to him - the many patrons, as well as, his friends that would spend the afternoons drinking Cuban coffee, and talking about their day. It was a gathering place for many where they would tell jokes, talk about the old days, and enjoy Mantecon's Cuban sandwiches and coladas. Cuban music would often be playing as the store was robust with energy and liveliness.

His favorite pastime and the place that made him the happiest was his farm on Rock Road, “Escosia Ranch." Salvador dedicated every Sunday for over 40 years to caring for his cows, horses, chickens and pigs, his vegetation and all of his beautiful fruit trees. Once he retired from Tenth Street Grocery, he spent every day out at the farm - he was always enjoying (and sharing) his fruits and vegetables and taking care of his livestock - that was always his true passion.

Salvador is preceded in death by his parents, Benedicto and Maria Dolores, his beloved wife, Candy, his brother Juanito, sisters, Pilar, Evina, Lolina and Maruca. He had many sisters and brothers-in- law that passed before him that he loved just as much as his true brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his children and three grandsons, his brother, Benedicto, sister, Anita, and so many loving and special nephews and nieces. Salvador is also leaving behind some lifelong friendships that have been an integral part of his life. He was a friend to many. Salvador is so loved because he has loved so greatly.

We would like to thank Dr Anthony D’Agostino and his staff for such thorough and steadfast care and support to Salvador through his lifetime.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108. Burial will be immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, follow his frequently given advice of "Guarda tu dinero" ("Save your money") or, please consider donating to your favorite animal charity. There wasn’t an animal Salvador didn’t love.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Gonzalez family.