Jose M. Gonzalez

Jose M. Gonzalez, 88, of Harvard, died Friday, June 16, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 4, 1934 in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico to Isidoro Gonzalez Cruz and Heladia Adorno Hernandez. In May of 1970, he married his wife, Graciela, in Chicago, IL. They were blessed with seven children, 30 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jose was a man of many talents and used them in a variety of ways including as a taxi driver, chef, machine operator, and business owner of a dry cleaners and toy store.

He was a man known for his charm, loving nature, and great smile. He always greeted you with a kiss and made sure to bless you upon departure. He loved to tend to his garden and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee. He would tell stories and had many quotes and sayings including “De los buenos quedamos pocos!” Jose could always be found with a napkin and a pen in his pocket “just in case.”

He is survived by his wife Graciela, his children Jose (Yuset) Gonzalez, Idaluz (Gaudencio) Gonzalez Herrera, Agustin Gonzalez, Jairo (Ariana) Gonzalez, Grace (Dalton) Gonzalez Carter, Osvaldo (Stephanie) Gonzalez, and Rosa (Anthony) Gonzalez, his 30 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, his sisters Carmen Rodriguez, Margarita Gonzalez, and brother Juan Gonzalez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Isidoro and Heladia, and his siblings Heledia Majuma Gonzalez and Reynaldo Gonzalez.

A visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner Street, Harvard, IL 60033. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 11 AM at Saunders and McFarlin. Interment will take place at Mt. Auburn following the funeral.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersandmcfarlin.net.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more info at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.