Aurelio "Bob" Gonzalez III

Aurelio "Bob" Gonzalez III passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at age 74 after a ten year battle with cancer. Born June 22, 1944 in Tampa, he was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and more. Bob was predeceased by his parents Aurelio (Joey) Gonzalez, Jr. and Catherine (Katie) Chavez. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Ann Prescott Gonzalez; sons, Robert (Bobby) Gonzalez and Thomas Gonzalez; brothers, Ronald Gonzalez (Alice), Dennis Gonzalez (Pam), and John Chavez; sisters, Pamela Chavez and Cindie Gonzalez Baker (Marvin); sister-in-law, Patricia Salzgeber (Marty); brother and lifelong best friend, Vincent Guerra (Jan); his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; as well as friends that he considered family. Bobby, as he was also known, was a third generation Tampan who cherished the city, often fascinating others as he recounted Tampa's rich history in intricate detail. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1963, loved and excelled at playing football there, and considered himself a lifelong Terrier through and through. Bob proudly served in the Naval reserve. And he enjoyed his work as a brewer for the Schlitz and Stroh's Brewing Companies until retirement and was a licensed residential contractor from 1986. Bob was loved by the many friends he came to know over the decades and was widely regarded as a very kind, loving, and funny man. He had an incredible sense of humor. Music was a great passion, and he appreciated a broad variety of styles. Latin music was one favorite, and he could play the conga drums like crazy for hours. Bob loved to go "crabbing" with family and friends. And he enjoyed working with his hands and repairing things and had a vast collection of tools to show for it. But more than anything, Bob adored and cherished his wife, sons, family, and friends, and he will be greatly missed by them all. His life will be honored with a Memorial Gathering at 2 pm, Memorial Service and Celebration of Life at 3 pm, and Reception to follow on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway.