Aurelio Gonzalez

Aurelio Gonzalez, 87, of Dallas, Pa., and formerly of Boca Raton, Fla., and New York City, died peacefully Sunday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, Pa., after a spirited battle with Alzheimer's disease surrounded by his wife of 53 years, RoseMarie Gonzalez-Cellier and their beloved son, Marc Gonzalez.

Born in Yarumal, Colombia, he was the son of the late Antonio Gonzalez and Angelica Fernandez Gonzalez, and was of the Roman Catholic faith. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at UNICEF as a director of internal audit, a position he enjoyed working in for more than 20 years.

Aurelio was a true gentleman whose kindness, honesty and generosity touched the lives of everyone who knew him. As a young man, Aurelio's athleticism was on display as a soccer player competing on semi-professional teams in Bogota, Colombia. His professional career began as an auditor for PriceWaterhouse. His desire to better serve clients in the U.S. brought him to Johnstown, Pa., where he improved his English at Johnstown High School. This helped to open the door for opportunities in New York City. In his career with UNICEF, he worked passionately and traveled throughout the world to serve needy children. Yet, his first priority was his family, for whom his generosity, nurturing and love seemed boundless. He enjoyed singing and dancing, healthy political debates, swimming, tennis and transcendental meditation.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his son, Marc Gonzalez and his wife, Joanne Gonzalez, North Abington Twp.; grandchildren, Grace and Jonathan Gonzalez, and Ryan McCawley; a brother, Ovidio Gonzalez, Medellin, Colombia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His sisters, Dolly Cardozo, Libia Betancourt and Leticia Gonzalez; and brothers, Antonio, Jaime, Hector and Hernan Gonzalez, all preceded him in death.

In keeping with his wishes, he was cremated and a Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Aurelio's life will be held at the Church of St. Gregory, 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA 18411, on Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. John M. Lapera presiding. The family will greet friends from 10:30 until the time of service.

Arrangements entrusted to the Donahue Funeral Home, 303 S. Main Ave., Scranton, PA 18504. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.