Johnny's Funeral Costs

Juan De Dios (Johnny) Gonzales - Born March 4, 1995 and Passed away May 6, 2022.

Johnny was a special first son and beloved oldest brother. He was born with Ichthyosis, a rare skin disorder characterized by dry, scaly, thickened overgrowing skin. Johnny could never be in the sun or dry weather for long because his skin would crack and bleed or he would experience heat exhaustion/stroke. It would put his life at risk. It was very painful for him. He struggled to keep up at school and work because of this. He would soon develop a drug addiction for almost 10 years to cope with his skin disorder and his living situation. He struggled to stay in rehab. Johnny was always at a disadvantage. He was always in pain. His drug addiction ultimately led him to go homeless and develop mental disorders such as psychosis and schizophrenia. Johnny was in and out of the hospital the last few years. He suffered from beatings and overdoses on the streets. Last month, he was in the hospital for gun shot wounds to the chest. He visited his family one last time on Saturday, April 30th 2022 then a week later took his own life on Friday morning, May 6th 2022.

We are raising funds to afford his cremation and church service costs. His father's unemployed and our Mother is barely getting by with part time work. Please donate what you can, it means the world to us. Thank you for reading his story and sending your love and prayers.

Let it be known that Johnny was a beautifully talented guitarist. He wrote his own songs and performed them for friends/family/audiences. Everyone was always in awe at his lyrical and musical talent. He was especially a truly beloved friend to so many. People often gravitated to him. People wanted to know him and understand him. He was very intelligent and creative. He was so interesting and sweet. Everyone shared how compassionate and loving he was. He always knew how to empathize with others. He wanted to listen to people and understand them as well. He always wanted to help if he could. He enjoyed teaching others how to play guitar and they all say he was so patient when doing so. He really appreciated his friends with all of him. He loved with all his heart. He was so good at making people laugh. I always loved seeing his smile and I know many did too. I didnt have time to sit down and process all the good times these first 2 days because I was occupied acknowledging his dark truth. Johnny, later in life, often championed his dark side and acknowledged that it was okay to see and embrace the ugly parts of life. Johnny spent so much of his life holding back his pain. I wanted it to be known for him. He vented to me that he felt he deserved his pain. I never believed that and all I ever wanted was for him to free himself from his self sabotage and heal. I wanted him to live a long life. I loved him with all my heart, my entire family did. He loved his family with all his heart. I'm so proud of him for making it as far as he did. His memory will live on forever. I truly believe Johnny was an angel of God and I'll live knowing in my heart he's resting in the peace he's always deserved. I'll love you forever, Johnny. 

Thank you, again.