Thomas Richard Gonzalez

Thomas Richard Gonzalez was born in Pensacola, Florida on October 29, 1955, just minutes before his brother Timothy Paul. Mirror twins, Tom and Tim made quite the impression on witnesses at Sacred Heart Hospital not only because of their identical features, but also because of their hearty size. Weighing in at upwards of 8lbs each, they are documented as the largest set of twins born at the hospital to this date!
Tom was the third of six children born to James (Jim) Richard Gonzalez and Ethel Rona Bonifay Gonzalez, whose union became the roots for a robust family tree. The Gonzalez's and Bonifays were an integral part of Pensacola history, both considered founding families of the seaside town. Tom grew up amidst a large, bustling family. He and his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins enjoyed packing up and heading down to the beach, where he learned to swim, surf, boat, and fish. Tom appreciated his Catholic upbringing and stayed connected to his faith throughout his final days, sharing in a very special last communion while at home on hospice care.
Tom graduated from Catholic High School in Pensacola in 1973 and spent a few years studying to be a draftsman and eventually a Master Plumber. He built a solid reputation for his careful, methodical approach and strong work ethic; he had high standards for doing a job right and wouldn't hesitate to speak his mind if he felt safety or quality was at stake. He often worked alongside family members, and his children gained invaluable knowledge and experience from collaborating and consulting with him regularly. In his final years, Tom was especially proud of his time with Elite Mechanical, where he equally enjoyed satisfying work and the people he worked alongside.
Tom had a big heart and rarely turned down the opportunity to join in social gatherings, meet new people, and bring together all the family and friends he loved most. His house was a constant hub of activity, and he was known to pop by without warning to say hello, often with kids in tow. He could be charming, irreverent, playful, and adventurous; his storytelling never failed to captivate with his booming voice and hearty laugh.
Tom was an exceptionally early riser. In his quiet moments, he enjoyed the open air of his screened-in patio, the company of his love Cheryl and his four kitties, watching rainstorms through his bedroom skylight, the pairing of a long bath and crossword puzzle, and the sound of the Blue Angels soaring overhead. He especially loved "chitchatting" on the phone with his children daily, whether sharing a quick hello, an update on a project, or a whistle and a laugh; these points of connection are something they will miss and cherish most. Tom was an artist, a craftsman, a perfectionist, a problem-solver, and a music lover; he enjoyed learning about outer space and sought out understanding of how things work. He liked to be useful and could never resist a good project, whether fitting pipe for a large business, renovating a family member's kitchen, or cutting designs into steel to create a glowing burn barrel.
After 68 years full of adventure, hard work, and lots of exuberant laughter, following a fierce battle with cancer, Tom took his final breath at home with dear family by his side on June 26, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Jim; and survived by his mother, Rona, partner, Cheryl Maley; siblings, Jimmy Gonzalez (Melanie), Gale Wroten, Tim Gonzalez (Mhairi Blake), Susan Brown (Jim), and Laura Montoya-Wall (John); children, Marilyn Randall (Dave), Nick Gonzalez (Katie), Annie Cook (David), Mike Gonzalez (Liz), and Sara Gonzalez (fiancée Chris Brecht); bonus children, Cody Chavers (partner Crystal), Sean Chavers (Kim), Julianne Apodaca (Gabe), Andrew Bugg, and Leslie Bugg; and 22 grandchildren ranging in age from 20 years to 6 months old: Aaron Mandel, Marley and Mia Randall, Amelia, Penelope, and Davy Gonzalez, Ace, Sam, and Evie Cook, John and Edie Gonzalez, Willow and Ivy Adams, Tallulah Brecht, Julien and Quinn Chavers, Claire and Calliope Chavers, and Santiago, Enrique, Gabriel Jr., and Alejandro Apodaca.
Tom leaves behind the legacy of a life lived to its fullest. He will be dearly missed.
Loved ones are invited to attend a funeral mass held in Tom's honor on July 5, 2024 from 12:10-1:10pm at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Pensacola, officiated by Father, Joe Fowler. Adoration hour begins at 11am at Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel and Marilyn Randall will lead a rosary vigil from 11:30am-12pm; all are welcome to attend. Interment will follow at Bay View cemetery at 2:30pm. Pallbearers will be Tommy Bonifay, Aaron Mandel, Starr Gonzalez, Jimmy Gonzalez, David Cook, Ace Cook, Chris Brecht, and Gabe Apodaca.
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