Edwin Gonzalez, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Tennova Medical Center in Clarksville, TN.
He was born on December 6, 1961, at Sloane Hospital in Manhattan, NY and spent most of his life living in the Bronx and Orange County, NY. He most recently relocated to Tennessee with his daughter, son-in-law and grandson. He was predeceased by his father, Jose A. Gonzalez and his mother, Margarita Gonzalez.
Edwin was a proud 1979 graduate of All Hallows High School in Bronx, NY and went on to attend John Jay College with a concentration in Criminal Justice before he enlisted in the United States Navy from 1982-1985. During his time in the Navy, he served on the USS Butte AE-27 and acquired the rank of GMG2/E5 within 2 years. He was in the Beirut War and traveled to multiple continents and countries. Followed by his active-duty service he served in the US Naval Reserves from 1985-1987 at Fort Schuyler, Bronx, NY. He was awarded a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon W/1 star and a Navy Expeditionary Medal (Lebanon). After his military service he worked for the US Post Office, NYC Dept of Corrections and retired from the New York City Police Department in 1997. He continued to work, despite being retired, for multiple companies to include 911 dispatching in Monroe, NY. He approached his duties with a sense of pride, embodying the values of justice and duty.
In his personal life, Edwin was a devoted family man and friend. He is survived by his children, Nina M. Alvarado (Guissepe Alvarado), Christina I. Perdue (Daniel E. Perdue) and Edwin A. Gonzalez (Susie DiCesare). He was a source of love and guidance for them, instilling the values of respect, hard work, giving back and the importance of laughter. He leaves behind 4 cherished grandchildren, Delilah, Catalina, Everett and Sylvie, who he spent the later years of his life dedicating every second to. He truly was the best Grandpa/Umpa to his babies. He is survived by his one and only brother, Anthony Gonzalez (Ivy Gonzalez), nephew Mark Gonzalez and nieces Laurie Liriano, Cookie Liriano and Ivy Liriano. Additionally, he is survived by his ex-wife, Yvette Gonzalez, who he remained great friends with along with countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great friends. Family and friend connections were vital to him, and he cherished the moments spent with them.
As we remember Edwin Gonzalez, we honor not just the role he played in his military career, law enforcement or any civil service job, but the loving grandpa, father, son, brother, uncle, Papa G, Batman and friend he was to those who knew him. You could always count on him to let you know whose birthday it was, dance to some of his favorite songs, harmonize songs for the future band he thought he’d be a manager to, talk about which business venture was currently on his mind, deep talks about life, how to grow a vegetable and fruit garden, his love for food especially soup and salad at Olive Garden, having strength despite whatever medical hurdle he was facing and which Casino was nearest to him that he’d like to visit. We always joked with him that he was the busiest retired man you’d ever meet. His memory will undoubtably live on in the hearts of all that had the privilege to know him and the role model that he was to so many. He was a Legend.
Edwin’s wishes were to be cremated. In the Spring of 2025, his family will be honoring him with a Celebration of Life memorial in Orange County, NY. His family will share these details on his social media account once they are available.
Arrangements are in the care of Neal Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home.