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Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova Obituary

Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova served in the Marine Corps for 11 years and traveled the world. Family friend Michael Millstone remembers Gonzales proudly showing off his scrapbook. "He'd joke, saying, `Don't I look great in a uniform?'" Millstone said. Gonzales, 30, of Davie, Fla., was killed Aug. 8 by a sniper in Ramadi. He was based at Camp Pendleton. His sister, Blanca Gonzales, said she often reads the poem that helped her cope with her brother's death, especially the last lines: "And never, never be afraid to die / For I am waiting for you in the sky." Gonzales joined the Marine Corps in 1994 after graduating high school. "Ever since I can remember, he always wanted to be a soldier," said his sister. "I remember him playing with little soldier toys." He is survived by his wife, Joselyn, and 3-year-old son Sergio. He was finishing his second tour and his wife said he would always ask her for candy to give to Iraqi children. Gonzales spoke to his mother, sister and wife the day he died, just two months before his 31st birthday.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune on Aug. 15, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova

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Widow

November 16, 2023

Es increible como pasa el tiempo Mochito. Ya nuestro hijo tiene 22 años. Definitivamente tiene tu sonrisa, tus colmillitos y esos ojos tuyos. Que transmientian paz!!! Esta en la Universidad Missouri Western, Animacion digital ,gracias a tu valentia tiene su educacion, que tanto disfrutra . !!! Dios no me dio mas hijos. Pero no importa el nuestro llena mi corazon etero. Como quisiera escuchar ese Jossita tuyo. Te extraño..

Michele Awtry

August 9, 2020

15 yrs. have passed & we are now living back in the same place where we last saw you. We hope your son is now a young man living a life that honors your memory. Ramon, you will always live on in our hearts & minds.

Blanca M. Holmes

August 7, 2020

15 years my brother and it still seems like it just happened. We miss you, we love you. Continue to Rest In Peace

Blanca Holmes

August 8, 2015

Ten years and it feels like yesterday... I miss you everyday. Love you bro

June 17, 2015

I'm sending my condolences to the Gonzales Cordova family, sorry for your loss. Micah 4:3,4

Blanca Holmes

May 26, 2014

Love u and miss ya alwaysbl

Donald Owens

February 8, 2014

I wear a hero bracelet in memory of you, and I promise you will not be forgotten. Rest easy SSgt.

Michele Awtry

August 8, 2013

Another year has passed since Ramon's passing but his memory is still alive in our hearts and minds.

AUG. 26th 2012

Dana Shuster

August 27, 2012

I live in Tampa Florida. Sunday August 26th a Run for the Fallen of Florida took place in honor of all of Florida's loved ones lost. We were given a card with a photo and name of a fallen soldier. My daughter had Ramon. I looked him up this morning to see who Ramon was. I am very proud of him and send my love as a parent and a proud American in support of his family and friends; he gave the most for all of us. May God bless you all.

MARISOL HOLMES

August 8, 2012

7 YEARS TODAY I LOST MY A PART OF ME,I MISS YOU SOOO MUCH RAMON...IT FEELS LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY YOU WERE HERE WITH US...RIP BRO..

LUV YA UR SISTER,

Blanca Holmes

August 10, 2011

marisol holmes

August 8, 2011

"Unknown By: Author Unknown "When I must leave you for a little while, please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrow to you through the years. But start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and in my name, live on and do all things the same. Feed not your loneliness on empty days but fill each waking hour in useful ways. Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer. And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near. And never, never be afraid to die; For I am waiting for you in the sky!"

This is what keeps me going bro, the idea that one day i will get to see you and Sergio.

Love you guys, cant believe its been 6 years."

Peggy Childers

August 8, 2011

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova:
Please accept my remembrance of Ramon on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Feb. 1999- Taken in TX while en route to Camp Lejeune

Michele Awtry

August 8, 2011

Michele Awtry

August 8, 2011

It is hard to believe that 6 years have now passed since Ramon's death. He may be gone but not forgotten. I will visit the 5th Marines memorial today, remember the good times, and think about you and Ben watching over us from heaven.

Paul Farrell

December 9, 2010

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

mario Hernandez

September 12, 2010

SSGT Gonzales was a great Marine. I feel lucky to have with him in CBIRF.

Sgt Hernandez M.A.

Blanca Holmes

August 9, 2010

Staff Sgt. Ramon E. Gonzales-Cordova

Peggy Childers

August 8, 2010

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova:
Remembering Ramon on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

blanca holmes

August 8, 2010

It's been 5 years Ramon and I must say it feels like it was yesterday. We miss you so much but know that u r in a better place. May you rest in peace brother. I love u.

William Joralemon

June 1, 2010

I first wrote in this book before I knew you. I then learned who you were from your sister. I still remember the day she told me about you and every year I pray for your family. God Bless you all.. PS your sister is as tough as any Marine.

Paul Farrell

February 5, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Peggy Childers

August 8, 2009

To the family of Staff Sgt. Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova:
Ramon gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Kenna Larra

June 5, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,550 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

Brian Plavi

April 26, 2009

SSgt Gonzales was a poster Marine. I served with him as a Sgt at CBIRF. He was a awesome Marine and a good man. From those who served with you at "the BIRF" Semper Fi

MICHAEL ACEVEDO

March 4, 2009

WITH MUCH COURAGE IN YOUR SOUL YOU WENT FORTH INTO THE FIELD OF BATTLE AND GAVE ALL. WE SHALL NEVER FORGET!!!! SEMPER FI

DETECTIVE SERGEANT
MICHAEL ACEVEDO, NYPD
USMC, 1985-1989, CORPORAL

In Memory of Ramon Ernesto Gonzales Cordova ~ (Debra Estep)

August 8, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Ramon, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

May 7, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Gonzales Cordova!

Lucy Puniwai

February 16, 2008

Raymond,
With politics on the news every day and the "IN MEMORIAM" segment done by George S. on Sunday's ABC NEWS WITH GEORGE STEPHANAPOLOUS, your memory stays alive in my heart. I pray this war was worth the sacrifice your family has endured and I pray that you are in a place better than we are. Keeping your memory alive and remembering you in my heart is important because of who you were on this earth and the love you showed my family and me. This is the only way I know how to honour you and once again, let your family know how much you meant to me. You called me mom, I called you son.... out of respect and love. You are preserved in my mind as one of my life's happy experiences. May your wife and child gain strength by feeling the sincerity in yur heart for all that is good in this life.
Aloha Raymond! Mom P

Jason Johnson

February 14, 2008

I served with Ramon from 1996 to 1999 and we had many memories together. Your laugh and sense of humor will always be remembered. thanks for all the memories Gozo. till we meet again

Junior

August 19, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Patsy Jo Reed Sircy

August 14, 2007

Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.

July 22, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Cordova and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

lucy puniwai

May 25, 2007

Ramon- I am thinking about you and praying for your family - especially over the Memorial Day weekend. You brought sunshine to our lives and you remain part of a fond memory when we lived in Plantation and Cooper City! Aloha,Lucy "mom" Puniwai

eric gould

May 24, 2007

served proudly with gonzales when he was a pfc. i was his sgt, he will be missed

Joselyn Recarte

November 17, 2006

Hey baby i'm sorry it took me so long to leave u a message but it is hard for me to accept that you are not going to email me back. I miss You so much i remember you every single day. But i am sure one day we will hold hands in heaven.Te necesito tanto mi esposo, mi amigo!!!! Jamas sere la misma anhelo el que me llames Jossita te amooooo y te voy amar siempre.Bueno amor ya no puedo seguir escribiendo no puedo ponerme triste porque nuestro hijo me necesita porfa ayudame a cuidarlo desde el cielo.Te extrano y amo. Tu Esposa

October 22, 2006

To the Family of Staff Sgt. Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova:
Your son's name, along with our sons, is forever together on a Memorial standing at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA. Their dogtags hang together forever moving with the wind creating a subtle sound, like the quiet whispers of the Fallen as they continue to speak to us. Attending this Memorial Dedication and hearing your child's name being read along with ours, has prompted me to sign this soldier's guestbook.
If your child can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 as well and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for right now. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten . You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

Garnet Jenkins

August 8, 2006

Paying tribute to this Fine Marine, with a Multitude of Thanks for his many years of Service and Dedication to our Country and for our Freedom. May you, Ramon E. Gonzales Cordova, rest in the Mighty Hands of God and know that you Truly are an American Hero.

May God's Loving Grace and Comfort continue to be with this family.

Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.



"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." ~ President, Ronald Reagan, 1985.





May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.

Softly and slowly....

Time heals...

Lucy Puniwai

July 16, 2006

I am numb. I pray for your family. Ramon - you will always have a special place in my heart. I see your face when I close my eyes at night and I wish I had one more chance to hug you and tell you how proud I am of you!

Juan Rojas

July 12, 2006

Hey Ramon, how are things in heaven? I still cant beleive your gone. I remember all the times we would hang out with Jose and have great laughs. We were a great trio of friends at that time. I always knew you were a great person and friend, but I never thought you would become such a special hero. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family and everyone who had the priveledge of knowing you. May you rest in peace. Your friend Carlos.

ROBYN GARSIDE

July 5, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR THE LITTLE ONE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A PROUD MARINE MOM

BLANCA HOLMES

April 11, 2006

HEY BRO!

ITS BEEN EIGHT MONTHS NOW AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT JUST HAPPENED, I MISS YOU AND SERGIO SO MUCH AND FOR SOME REASON I KEEP HAVING THIS DREAM THAT YOU ARE STILL ALIVE BUT I KNOW THAT IN MY HEART YOU AND SERGIO ARE STILL ALIVE AND I WILL FOREVER MISS YOU UNTIL I GET TO SEE YOU ONCE AGAIN. I LOVE YOU GUYS AND MISS YOU DEARLY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.



YOUR BABY SISTER,

BLANCA MARISOL

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

February 27, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Gonzales Cordova family in the loss of Ramon. I did not know Ramon, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.Ramon it is coming up on 7 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Eileen and Bill Jeker

August 25, 2005

Our sincere deepest condolences are extended to the family of another fallen hero from two very grateful Ameicans. Ramon, thank you and may you rest in peace.

Juan Torres

August 23, 2005

Ramon was a great Marine and an even better man. There is no doubt in my mind that his absence will be greatly felt not only at home but amongst his military buddies. I thank him for the memories.

Michle & Aaron Awtry

August 21, 2005

Ramon will always hold a special place in our hearts. Prayers go out to his family and friends from ours and those of other Marines and their families. God bless you Ramon.

William Joralemon

August 15, 2005

God Bless the Family and Friends of Ramon. My son William is a Marine recruit at Parris Island.

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