NYPD 9-11 First Responder Hector Gonzalez Memorial
Donation protected
Hector Gonzalez
I am Gabriel Gonzalez, Hectors youngest son. A father of 3 and husband of 35 years to my loving mother.
Family
My father was a very compassionate, empathetic, selfless husband, father, brother, uncle, friend. From the laughs, the tears, the smiles, the yells, he was always there no matter what. He picked you up when you were down and embraced you when you were up. He was always just one phone call away. His advice incomparable. His love immeasurable. His energy irreplaceable. He would let him self starve before any of his children mouths went unfed. No matter what he always put the well being of others before himself.
My Father's Life
My father was 17 when he joined the United States Army. He served for 12 years. He toured overseas, fought in desert storm, and valiantly served for his country. In 1992 he graduated the New York City Police Academy. He always had a drive to help others. He was a first responder during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, heroically running into the face of danger that day, and the following days, onsite on ground zero. He then retired from the NYPD. After having me and moving to Florida he continued to be a civil servant. Jobs ranging from College Campus Security, Hospital Police, to his latest job, Road Ranger on Interstate 4, clearing the roads of wrecks, and if you got a flat tire or ran out of gas he changed it and filled you up for free. Putting his life in danger for the safety of others, like always, on this very dangerous highway. He was the only provider for the family, and made sure he took care of me, my brother and my mom, and made sure he molded my brother and I into the men we are today.
Fighting for his Family
Two months ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. A long road was painted in front of us. He had a year to live. My father is a fighter and will do anything to be there for his family. He was not going to quit. After going to Orlando Regional Medical Center, they told him with medicine he could fight for two years, he said two years with his family is better than one. My dad being the fierce warrior he always was, he was going to battle this cancer, and he was not going to quit. At the time, I was unaware of how much time he truly had left, my father was such a fighter he even asked me to run a 5k cancer run with him when he beat this thing.
His Passing
Unfortunately, on the morning of April 7th, he passed away. After very aggressive chemo treatment, being turned away from the hospital multiple times, his immune system was destroyed, and it became very hard for him to breathe. After being in the hospital for less than two weeks, the doctors ultimately told us they had reached the limit of medical science and medicine. Me and my cousin being the only ones with him at the time were told he would not make it to the morning, Only days after being told he would recover within weeks by his oncologist group (who we never saw again), this was not the case. I had to make the hardest phone call of my life to let my mother know (her getting the first minutes of sleep she was able to get away from the hospital for weeks) this unbearable news. We wanted him to pass with dignity, and free of pain. Naturally he passed away at 12:16 a.m. by his side me, my mother, my brother and many more of the family. It truly breaks our heart. A battle ended way too soon, and unexpected.
Continuing his Legacy
My father reached the hearts of many, and hopefully, through his legacy will continue to touch the hearts of many more. Me being only 18 I now have to become the man of the house and I find myself not only fearful, but a sense of inability to measure up to the task. No one will be like my father. My brother and I will have to uphold his legacy, to make sure his kind, giving, compassionate, and selfless heart will carry on.
My Mother
This is all extremely tough on the family, and especially my mother. She has lost her spouse, her husband, the love of her life, her best friend, and I don't think she will ever be the same without him. Married happily for 35 years, they built their lives up from nothing. From poverty, to giving us the best life they could. Him being the only financial provider for the house, we need all of the help we can get. Without him we are lost.
Honoring Him
We appreciate any donations, as we would love to honor him in the way he deserved.
Thank You So Much,
Gonzalez Family
I am Gabriel Gonzalez, Hectors youngest son. A father of 3 and husband of 35 years to my loving mother.
Family
My father was a very compassionate, empathetic, selfless husband, father, brother, uncle, friend. From the laughs, the tears, the smiles, the yells, he was always there no matter what. He picked you up when you were down and embraced you when you were up. He was always just one phone call away. His advice incomparable. His love immeasurable. His energy irreplaceable. He would let him self starve before any of his children mouths went unfed. No matter what he always put the well being of others before himself.
My Father's Life
My father was 17 when he joined the United States Army. He served for 12 years. He toured overseas, fought in desert storm, and valiantly served for his country. In 1992 he graduated the New York City Police Academy. He always had a drive to help others. He was a first responder during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, heroically running into the face of danger that day, and the following days, onsite on ground zero. He then retired from the NYPD. After having me and moving to Florida he continued to be a civil servant. Jobs ranging from College Campus Security, Hospital Police, to his latest job, Road Ranger on Interstate 4, clearing the roads of wrecks, and if you got a flat tire or ran out of gas he changed it and filled you up for free. Putting his life in danger for the safety of others, like always, on this very dangerous highway. He was the only provider for the family, and made sure he took care of me, my brother and my mom, and made sure he molded my brother and I into the men we are today.
Fighting for his Family
Two months ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. A long road was painted in front of us. He had a year to live. My father is a fighter and will do anything to be there for his family. He was not going to quit. After going to Orlando Regional Medical Center, they told him with medicine he could fight for two years, he said two years with his family is better than one. My dad being the fierce warrior he always was, he was going to battle this cancer, and he was not going to quit. At the time, I was unaware of how much time he truly had left, my father was such a fighter he even asked me to run a 5k cancer run with him when he beat this thing.
His Passing
Unfortunately, on the morning of April 7th, he passed away. After very aggressive chemo treatment, being turned away from the hospital multiple times, his immune system was destroyed, and it became very hard for him to breathe. After being in the hospital for less than two weeks, the doctors ultimately told us they had reached the limit of medical science and medicine. Me and my cousin being the only ones with him at the time were told he would not make it to the morning, Only days after being told he would recover within weeks by his oncologist group (who we never saw again), this was not the case. I had to make the hardest phone call of my life to let my mother know (her getting the first minutes of sleep she was able to get away from the hospital for weeks) this unbearable news. We wanted him to pass with dignity, and free of pain. Naturally he passed away at 12:16 a.m. by his side me, my mother, my brother and many more of the family. It truly breaks our heart. A battle ended way too soon, and unexpected.
Continuing his Legacy
My father reached the hearts of many, and hopefully, through his legacy will continue to touch the hearts of many more. Me being only 18 I now have to become the man of the house and I find myself not only fearful, but a sense of inability to measure up to the task. No one will be like my father. My brother and I will have to uphold his legacy, to make sure his kind, giving, compassionate, and selfless heart will carry on.
My Mother
This is all extremely tough on the family, and especially my mother. She has lost her spouse, her husband, the love of her life, her best friend, and I don't think she will ever be the same without him. Married happily for 35 years, they built their lives up from nothing. From poverty, to giving us the best life they could. Him being the only financial provider for the house, we need all of the help we can get. Without him we are lost.
Honoring Him
We appreciate any donations, as we would love to honor him in the way he deserved.
Thank You So Much,
Gonzalez Family
Organizer
Gabriel Gonzalez
Organizer
Orange City, FL