Augustin "Gus" Gonzalez

On November 9, 2024, Augustin “Gus” Gonzalez, of Milford, Delaware, peacefully passed after a short illness. He was 66.

Gus was born on October 3, 1958 in Queens, New York to the late Augustin and Aida Gonzalez. He spent years between New York City, Arizona and Delaware. 

He began his career working with his mother at Parkchester Pharmacy in the Bronx. Soon afterwards, he joined the New York City Police Department where his first assignment included walking a beat in the South Bronx. He was promoted to Detective and joined the Candidate Assessment Team where he vetted applicants for the Police Department. One of Gus’ most heroic efforts came on 9/11 where he escorted thousands of people from the Twin Towers to safety aboard ferry boats to New Jersey. He also worked tirelessly at Ground Zero for many days following the attack, with little regards to his own personal safety. 

Gus was a proud member of the Detective Endowment Association and the NYPD Gold Shield. He was a car aficionado, a coin collector, and had a personal collection of Oscar winning movies and Star Wars memorabilia. He especially loved spending time with his family that included many cousins, nieces and nephews. Most recently his pride and joy was his great-nephew Oscar Augustin Clouse whose middle name was in his honor.  

Gus was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Lisa Haimowitz, and his father-in-law, James Diorato. He was married to the love of his life, Michael Diorato for 33 years. 

Along with Michael, he is also survived by his sister, Michele Mandic, her husband John, his niece, Marley and his nephew, Alex. In addition he’s survived by his niece Melissa Haimowitz Clouse, her husband Peter Clouse, their child, Oscar, brother-in-law’s Mark Haimowitz and John Russo, sister-in-law Antoinette Russo and mother-in-law Marion Diorato. He’s also survived by many close friends including his dearest friend, Fred Rabasca.  

A memorial service will be held at Rogers Hovatter Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave. Milford, Delaware on Monday, November 18t at 10AM, with visitation starting at 9AM.