Jose Maria Gonzalez

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Dad, José María González, who passed away peacefully at the age of 95. His heart simply gave out, and he went peacefully after a long and extraordinary life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, our Mom, Mercedes Fernández González, who passed away on January 24, 2024.

Together, Dad and Mom built a life that spanned three countries, countless challenges, and more than six decades of love, family, sacrifice, and memories.

At just 17 years old, Dad left Spain during the Spanish Civil War and made the long journey by boat to Buenos Aires, Argentina-a voyage that lasted more than 30 days. It was there that he met our Mom, Mercedes. They married in 1964 and built a wonderful life together in Argentina.

Dad became a Director at Fiat, while Mom dedicated herself to raising their two daughters, Claudia and Rosana. They worked hard, built a home filled with love, and created the life they wanted for their family.

Then, in 1978, Dad and Mom made the incredibly courageous decision to leave Argentina and move to the United States. They came to Atlanta, Georgia, with their two daughters and a dream of giving us greater opportunities for the future. They started over, worked many jobs, and built a life that became far more than they ever imagined.

Shortly after arriving in the United States, Dad underwent open-heart surgery in 1979. That surgery gave him many more years of life-and years that he filled with family, love, and memories. Because of the care he received, Dad became a longtime supporter of the hospital fund that helped make his surgery and treatment possible.

Dad continued working well into his late 60s. When he finally retired, he and Mom devoted themselves to what became the most important part of their lives: their grandchildren.

For decades, they were there for all six of them. They took them to the park and the pool, picked them up from school, watched countless sports games and activities, celebrated graduations, and were simply there-always. They got to see all six grandchildren graduate from college and experience so many of the milestones that followed.

Their grandchildren were their world.

Dad was a simple, humble, hardworking man who never needed much for himself. What mattered most to him was his family. He and Mom gave their daughters a foundation built on hard work, sacrifice, love, and the belief that anything was possible if you were willing to work for it.

They came to this country with very little and accomplished more than they ever thought they could.

That is Dad's legacy.

He was deeply loved by his two daughters, Claudia Alexandra Gonzalez and Rosana Andrea Johnson (husband, Timothy Johnson), and his seven grandchildren: Max Sides, Cristina Sides (preceded by him in death in 1997), Natalia Sides Richter (husband, Eric Richter), Victoria Sides Clark (husband, Spencer Clark), Nicolas Sides, Anna Johnson, and Olivia Johnson.

We are grateful for the 95 years we were blessed to have him-and for the incredible life he and Mom built together over more than 60 years of marriage.

Per Dad's wishes, there will be a private burial service on Friday, August 7. We are honoring his wishes because, just as he lived, he wanted his farewell to be simple and private, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren-his world.

For those who have asked how they can honor Dad, we would be deeply grateful if you would consider supporting the Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital Fund in his memory. This is especially meaningful to our family because this hospital gave Dad his life back following his heart surgery in 1979, and Dad continued to support the fund throughout the years.

If you would like to make a contribution in his memory, you can do so here: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1705/02-health-sciences/interior-hybrid.aspx?sid=1705&gid=2&pgid=2125&cid=3552

Under the Honor/Memorial Giving section, please select "In memory of" and enter José Maria Gonzalez.

Thank you to everyone who has loved our Dad, been part of his life, and supported our family. We know how fortunate we are to have had him for 95 years.

Rest peacefully, Dad. We love you, and we will carry your legacy with us always.

Chau, Lelo. Hasta que nos volvamos a ver.