Martin Gonzalez's Obituary
Martin Adam Gonzalez, age 52, peacefully passed on to his heavenly reward on November 4. A Tampa native, Marty’s zest for life was grounded in his faith in God and his strong love for his family. He was predeceased by his father, Mario Gonzalez. Marty’s memory will be carried on by his surviving wife, children, mother, Aida, and brothers Mario Menendez, Michael Gonzalez and their families, along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
As a devoted deacon in The Church of Jesus Christ, his strong faith in God was evident to anyone who ever met him, and he had a special way of making you feel like the most important person in the world when he spent time with you.
Aside from his evident faith, his wife, Deb, his kids and his extended family were his highest priority. His family foundation was set by his mom, Aida, who he deeply treasured, as well as his two older brothers, Mike and Mario. He met Deb, at the tender age of 16 and began what became a love affair lasting over 36 years. He and Deb were blessed with a tightknit family of four beautiful children. His identical twins, Jacob and Jordan, now 26, came first, followed by his precious daughter, Rachel, age 19, and then his baby boy, Ben, age 18, who many say is Marty’s “mini-me.”
Despite his fierce sense of humor, he knew that the fabric that holds our lives together is not always woven with gold thread. But he believed that there was a mighty purpose that God had for him. He never wavered in his trust in that.
As a licensed massage therapist and physician relations marketing professional for over 20 years, Marty always lent his skills to the purpose of caring for others. He had a special gift of knitting people together and networking to bring the best relationships to life.
When he was diagnosed with leukemia in March of 2013, he simply would not allow himself to be defined by his disease. Marty was honored to run as 2015 Man of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising thousands of dollars for important cancer research. He was a 3-time leukemia survivor and was determined to live fully and make a difference. Marty’s immeasurable faith and infectious humor carried him through over 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, countless biopsies, infusions, tears and anguish, but his one constant was always hope and the chance to share his testimony with everyone around him.
Marty always spoke about his wonderful network of family, friends, caregivers and spiritual mentors, and had a desire to be a blessing to all of them in whatever way he could.
There is no doubt that Marty is resting in God’s glory now and will be held close in our hearts and memories.
Please share your memories of Marty with the family here in the guest book or cards may be sent to the family at 7134 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652.
A brief Celebration of Life Service will be held on November 18 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ, 5517 Berry Hill Rd, Holiday, FL 34690.
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