Gumecindo Panfilo Gonzalez

Gumecindo “JR” P. Gonzalez of Saginaw passed away on June 4, 2020 from complications of COVID-19, at age 65, with his loving family at his side. Son of the late Gumecindo and Guadalupe (Herrera) Gonzalez, he was born on March 5, 1955 in Saginaw. JR married Theresa, his loving wife of 38 years, on September 12, 1981. She survives him along with their two daughters Sarah Gonzalez of Los Angeles, CA and Rachael (Gonzalez) Davis of Grand Rapids, MI.

Affectionately known as “Junior” to his loved ones, and “JR” to his friends, he worked for General Motors for 30 years, retiring in 2010. He went back to work, this time with Serra Automotive where he stayed for 5 years. At Serra, he began as a courtesy shuttle driver where he loved chatting with strangers about his daughters, and later as a parts driver. JR was known for having a lighthearted sense of humor, always claiming he had “never seen” his favorite Sci-fi movies that he watched repeatedly. He loved taking care of his cats and going to the casino with his sisters. His family remembers him for his willingness to help (especially with small repairs, car trouble, and tech support), his kind eyes, and a strong desire to iron everyone’s clothes (including t-shirts and jeans). The family would like to extend extra appreciation for the kind and compassionate care provided by the nurses and doctors of the 6th floor CCU at Ascension St Mary’s Hospital during his 2 month stay. He is survived by siblings Carlos (Marilu), Marie Inez Coulter, Alberto (Carol), Refujia "Fuji" (Robert) Baszler and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Hilario Gonzalez, oldest sister Angelita “Angie” (Gonzalez) Melcher, and his beloved kitties Chester and Ellie.

Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, June 8, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1525 S. Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI. Rev. Fr. Thai Nguyen will officiate with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Humane Society of Saginaw County.