Roland Gary Gonzalez

Gary was born on October 28, 1955 to Roland and Bobbie Gonzalez in Spokane, Washington. After graduating from King High School in 1974, he went on to study Education at the University of South Florida.

He became a Fire Fighter for the Tampa Fire Department, kicking off a successful 27 year career. He continued his education at USF receiving his Bachelor Degree plus many technical certificates. He went on to become a District Chief, Special Ops Chief, Chief of Training and eventually made his way to the position of Fire Marshall. He always followed the rules, never sold out and fought hard to protect Tampa at all costs. Safety and integrity were of the highest priority in all that he did.

In 1979, he met Linda Edens, and they wed in 1982, going on to have three children----Daniel, Lauren and David.

After retiring in 2005, Gary spent his time enjoying his family and lifting the spirits of all around him with an infectious laugh and superb sense of humor. He was the best son, the best husband, the best father, the best grandfather and to the greater Tampa Bay area many claim he was the best friend. He was incredibly intelligent and could dissect car and boat engines, being highly mechanically inclined he could take apart every nut and bolt in the most complex of systems and get them running again like new. He provided for all around him and had a gigantic heart dedicating much of his time to the church and serving the community.

Gary was predeceased by his mother Eula Margaret Gonzalez. He is survived by his wife Linda Gonzalez, father Roland Gonzalez, three children Daniel, Lauren and David and two granddaughters Lily and Daisy.

A visitation for ROLAND will be held Friday, June 10, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 10, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. A graveside service will occur Friday, June 10, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511.

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