Joe Victor Gonzalez

To recount the insurmountable impact this remarkable man made on everyone he encountered, feels immeasurable and difficult to articulate. To know Joe is to know both nobility and humility, personified. It would be hard to come across anyone more dignified to greet their adversaries with such unbridled grace and cool strength. Joe came into this world on August 17th, 1930, to Spanish immigrants, Victor and Soledad Gonzalez. He was bilingual, and a first generation American. He was born not more than 30 minutes after midnight, therefore making him the second baby born ever at the new Centro Asturianos Hospital in Ybor City in Tampa.

As a young man, he soon became his family’s provider and protector. He resided in Ybor City until he went on to graduate from Hillsborough High School in 1948. He then went off to college at the University of Florida (Go Gators!) from 1949-1953, where he was simultaneously a part of the ROTC program. He was landmarked as one of UF’s first graduating classes to earn a Bacteriology Degree as an undergrad. He spent his next three years in his first Air Force Service, while also attending UF’s Medical School. It was in med school where he would come to meet his other half, his lifelong love, and best friend, we all lovingly know as Jane. To know Joe, is to know Jane. They courted for two years before tying the knot on June 4th, 1960. One short year later, he became Dr. Joe Victor Gonzalez on Sunday, June 4th, 1961. He was in the second graduating class at UF Medical School. His classmates you may know more formally as the creators of Gatorade. While they were having their little taste tests, Joe was far too busy with the rats (and their brains) he chose to study.

Joe and Jane had a wonderfully beautiful life together. They had three daughters, Lisa, Linda (2020), and Laura. Otherwise informally known as L1, L2 & L3. During his time in the Air Force, his service had brought the Gonzalez family to Austin and San Antonio Texas, Bitberg, Germany, and his final assignment at MacDill AFB from 1970-1978 in Tampa, FL. Two years into his assignment at MacDill, he was promoted to Colonel. Aside from all of his decorated titles, if you were to ask him what he preferred to be called, he’d reply “just Joe is fine”.

As the girls grew up, they enjoyed their frequent road trips around the U.S in their Airstream and Winnebago campers. Joe and Jane have had countless trips with their incredible friend group of 20+ years, affectionately known as “The Crew”. Not only was he a celebrated academic, but he was also a great patron of the arts. He loved music, art, books, theater, museums, and movies. He was a sponge to this world. He was a singer, pianist, gardener, tailor, overall master crafter. He, alongside Jane, were pillars to their church choir, and members of The Tampa Bay Master Chorale for over 25+ years. They have been longtime supporters of these organizations in addition to The Florida Orchestra, and the Opera.

The ultimate caretaker, Joe continued to nurture and support not only his mother, but Jane’s mother and father as well for 25 years. To his delight, he would have more family along the way for him to provide for! The 90s had gifted him with his three perfect little angels. Also known as his grandkids: Christopher, Rebecca, and Matthew. For Becca and Matt, he cared and looked after them not only as a grandfather, but a father as well. His love was bountiful and infinite.

It’s impossible to scale the extent of all the lives he’s touched over his lifetime. But what is delightful, is that no matter how much time passes- if you’re lucky enough, you sometimes get to catch a glimpse of it. Very recently his family learned of a life he positively impacted while he was practicing medicine. The mother of one of his former patients was lucky enough to be assigned his CNA while in Hospice. After she realized who he was, she was finally able to thank him and share her gratitude to him for the care he provided back in the 70’s. Dee had brought her daughter to MacDill’s pediatrician at the time, Dr. Joe Gonzalez. Her daughter had something wrong with her lungs. All the other medical advice Dee was given, suggested a treatment that would’ve left her dependent on oxygen for the rest of her life. Joe had discreetly taken Dee to the side to tell her that she didn’t need to move forward with their suggested treatment. Because she heeded his advice, her daughter is living a healthy and vibrant life, one that did not leave her dependent on oxygen.

In his last weeks, Joe had been blessed with great warmth and love. Alongside his wife, two daughters, and three grandkids, was his son-in-law Mike Lizotte. Mike loved and respected him dearly and refused to leave his side. During his last couple of months, Joe’s family brought on Home Health Aids Geneva, Doris, Ashley, Kimberly, and Gail to name a few, so that he was truly never alone, and care was just an arm’s reach away. They quickly became the guardian angels he needed in his final days, especially noting the special relationship he and Geneva developed. His final hours could not have been more poetic, taking his final breaths shortly after being anointed with oil from Jerusalem by his pastor.

He was a rock for the Gonzalez family. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, compassion, thoughtfulness, distinguished presence, and his sense of humor. He was a silent leader and a beacon of strength.

The family would like to mention that in lieu of flowers, they would like to suggest donations to The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay or St. Pete First United Methodist Church in Joe V. Gonzalez’s honor.