Carlos F. Gonzalez M.D.

1930 - 2013

Carlos F. Gonzalez M.D. obituary, 1930-2013, Crystal River, FL

BORN

1930

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Fero Funeral Home with Crematory

5955 North Lecanto Highway

Beverly Hills, Florida

Carlos Gonzalez Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 26, 2013.

CARLOS F. GONZALEZ, M.D.
"Medical Legacy" of Citrus County


Born – Ponce, Puerto Rico – May 26, 1930

Died – Crystal River, FL – May 26, 2013 (on his 83rd birthday)

Dr. Gonzalez, better known as "Dr. G", became a polio victim at the age of 3. His family packed up and went to live in the mountains of Puerto Rico, living close to a fast moving river where he sat daily allowing him to fight his polio and overcome it. He was paralyzed and walked with crutches from that time until he was a freshman in College when he strengthened the muscles in his leg enough to eliminate his need for the crutches! In college, he participated in almost every sport that did not require running, including shot put, discus, swimming, and more; and was awarded many athletic medals.

While in Boston attending Tufts University, Dr. G met his bride, Helen, who was attending the Boston Conservatory of Music. They were married in Windsor, CT in 1952. Dr. G worked as an Occupational Therapist in CT from 1952 – 1955. In 1955, their first daughter, Laura, was born and they moved to Puerto Rico where he began Medical School. He received his M.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Puerto Rico in 1959. The family then moved to Ohio where Dr. G completed his medical internship and surgical residency, and their second daughter, Gloria, was born.

The family moved to St. Clair, MI in 1961 where Dr. G began his private medical practice. While in Michigan, he founded the River District Hospital, and with his wife, Helen, founded the St. Clair Theatre Guild - which is still active today.

The effects of polio on his leg haunted him, and he had to give up surgery due to the many hours of standing that it required. The harsh Michigan winters made walking very difficult and painful and the family, seeking a warmer climate, relocated to Crystal River, FL in 1971.

At that time, the only hospital in Citrus County was Citrus Memorial in Inverness and Dr. G would have to spend the night there many times each month while "On-Call", as there were no ER physicians at that time. His wife, Helen, and their 2 daughters would take a picnic to the Hospital so that they could all have dinner together and their daughters would not forget their "Dad" who had to work so many hours.

Seeing the need for a hospital in Crystal River, Dr G founded 7 Rivers Hospital with his friend, Pete DeRosa, in 1978.

Dr. G was very active in the community and his involvement and accomplishments included:
• Chief of Staff at 7 Rivers Community Hospital
• Member of the 7 Rivers Community Hospital Steering Committee
• Chairman of the Governing Board of the 7 Rivers Community Hospital
• Member of the Citrus County Medical Society
• Medical Director at Crystal River Geriatric Center
• Staff Physician at Key Training Center
• President of the Citrus-Hernando County Medical Society
• Member of the Citrus County Health Planning Society
• Member of the Inverness Elks Lodge
• President of the Crystal River Rotary Club

His numerous accolades included:
• Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice
• Member of the American Medical Association
• Member of the Florida Medical Association
• Fellow of the American Geriatrics Society
• Diplomate of the American Board of Chelation Therapy
• F.A.A. Medical Examiner
• Medical Examiner for various Insurance Companies
• Member of the Beta Beta Beta Fraternity
• Member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Fraternity

Whenever Dr. G had spare time, which was rare, he loved fishing, boating, scuba diving, and hunting. He had his private pilot license and enjoyed flying – even from Crystal River to Inverness to check on his patients. He had a love for classic cars and enjoyed listening to classical music.

Dr. Gonzalez is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen, and 2 daughters: Laura Horn (Dr. Roy) of Crystal River, FL, and Gloria Davenport (Tony) of Asheville, NC; grandson, Brett Mosley of Tallahassee, FL and siblings Jose "Quique" Gonzalez, Asheville, NC; Peter Gonzalez, Tallahassee, FL; Mercedes Fernandez, Jacksonville, FL and Marta Sandler, Boca Raton, FL. Dr. Gonzalez was preceded in death by a sister, Julia Gonzalez, in 1990.

Dr. Gonzalez touched many lives in Citrus County and will be deeply missed by his patients, colleagues, friends, and most of all, his loving family. He is definitely a True Legacy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thurs., May 30th at 1:00 P.M. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Crystal River, with Fr. Ryszard Stradomski, Celebrant. Entombment will follow at Fero Memorial Gardens, Beverly Hills. Friends will be received on Wed., May 29th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Fero Funeral Home, Beverly Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Citrus County, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464.
www.ferofuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Carlos Gonzalez

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Not sure what to say?

June 19, 2013

We just heard about Carlos' death. We are so sorry. We always enjoyed visiting with him when we were in Florida. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the entire family at this difficult time. Love, Will and Jo Horn

June 11, 2013

Nancy and Paul Weber

My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. G. in October, 1992 soon after moving to Homosassa. I needed a Dr. and the first one didn't take new patients until March. I couldn't wait. I called Dr. G.'s office and they said be here by 10 AM. I was and for 20 years Dr. G. was our doctor. He led my husband through Open Heart Surgery in 1999. He recommended two cardiologists both who satisfied us.
He entered the examining room with a smile that radiated the joy that the practice of medicine brought to him. He made you feel much better and his conversations covered everything. For my husband to become a fan of a doctor took a great person and great doctor.
Dr. G. loved his wife beyond all measure. Helen was his angel and the light of his life, as were his children, but he loved the practice of medicine beyond everything. Helen appreciated that and he was beyond grateful for her steadfast support.
Helen and his daughters can be proud that he was their husband, father and we are thankful he was our doctor and friend. All will miss Dr. G. Finding another doctor is a great challenge..

June 9, 2013

Susan Tate

He will be missed by many .I couldnt have asked for a better Dr .He was so kind and caring. It's just doesnt seem like i should be saying this. I wish he was still HERE . Take care Helen& family GOD loves you

June 8, 2013

A truly amazing man and physician who will be greatly missed by his family and the community in which he lived and served! How fortunate we are that he was a part of our lives for so many years.
Roger and Jennifer Horn

June 6, 2013

dianne fisher

dr G. was my dr. since 1986 until a couple of months ago. he was a dedicated dr. to his practice. I will surely miss him. god bless his family .

June 3, 2013

Mr.& Mrs. Coffey

Our prayers go out to Helen and the girls.We have lived here for 35 yrs. and
Dr Gonzalez was our doctor most of those years. Rest in peace Dr.G

May 31, 2013

Chris Kwak

Although I did not know Dr.Gonzalez personally, I came to know him through his daughter, Laura, and husband, Dr. Horn, who is my doctor. I know that he was a blessed man with a lovely family who cared deeply for him. Sending my condolences to each of you. May you find peace in his legacy and continue with your work to carry it on. Thank you for all that you do.

May 30, 2013

Mary McDowell

My deepest condolences to the entire Gonzalez family. My heart and prayers go out to you. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.

May 30, 2013

Lynn Stolp

I am so sorry to hear of Dr Gonzalez passing. What a truly wonderful man.He helped so many and always had a smile! I will miss the drug rep dinners with him and Helen over the years and hearing of their many wonderful adventures and the love they shared. My heart goes out to you Helen and your family.

May 30, 2013

Maura Wood-Norup

Dr Gonzalez was my Dr when I was a teenager....40 year's later I was still seeing him..He will be missed.

May 30, 2013

God bless the Gonzalez family. Dr. G was my doctor for 13 years. I loved his no nonsense approach to health. You will be missed. Connie of Homosassa

May 29, 2013

Carlyn & David Gunnell

Helen & Family, So sorry we can not be with you all to celebrate Carlos's remarkable life. You both have left a great legacy to our community. Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. Carlyn & David Gunnell

May 29, 2013

I never knew Dr. G, but what a remarkable person he was! Had no idea, when I first heard of his passing, that he was Laura's dad. My deepest condolences to you, Laura, and to you, Dr. Horn.
Carol A.

May 29, 2013

Carolyn Bozeman

Dr Gonzalez was a great Doctor. I was his first Nurse when he came to Crystal River and I learned a lot from him. I will always remember him. My sympathy and heart felt grief goes out to Helen , GG, and Laura.Re will be greatly missed.

May 29, 2013

Barbara

Dr. G. Thank you for all you have given. Rest in Peace.

Posted by Barbara

May 29, 2013

Denise Fuqua

For the many years of wonderful care that you've given our family! May you rest in the arms of Jesus now and know that we will see you again one day! Happy Birthday Dr G

May 29, 2013

Denise Fuqua

Dr G was a wonderful Physician that cared for our entire family for over 30 years! The community has lost one of the best DR's there ever was! He will truly be missed. We just want to extend our heart felt sympathy to his family! May he rest in peace!
Forever grateful,
In Christ Love,
Fred & Denise Fuqua

May 29, 2013

bob

i thank him for my life he saved it rip dr.g a good friend and doctor

May 29, 2013

d g

May 29, 2013

Ron Tyrie

What a wonderful friend and physician Dr. G has been for the 30+ years I have known him. He helped me through many issues and was always there for me and my family. You leave a giant pair of shoes to fill and will not be forgotten. Our prayers of comfort go out to the family.

May 29, 2013

Helen and Family, as former patients and good friends, he will be sorely missed by us.
Bob & Mary England

May 29, 2013

Peggy Rawls

Will and I were fortunate to have had Dr. G. as our doctor for many years. We also have enjoyed many precious time in love and friendship with Helen adn Carlos throughout the years. We made many trips to the Island House together in the past. No one could truly have experienced such precious moments as we all did. Deep condolences to Helen and her dear family, Laura and Roy Horn, Gloria and Tony Davenport, and Brett Mosley, the Gonzalez's only grandchild.

Dear friend, Helen, you will always be on my mind, in my heart, and in my prayers.

Love,

May 29, 2013

We all have lost a great person and doctor may we see your spirit and healing ways again soon. Thank you Dr. G and family for your dedication and time away from your loved ones. Nichole & Bobby Gaudette

May 29, 2013

Susan Tate

He was a Dr with a big smile and warm heart.
He was a caring Dr . You dont get that to many places

Love and prayers to you and the family Helen

May 28, 2013

Judith/Jerry Berken

What a Happy Birthday for Carlos!. Imagine God Himself singing Happy Birthday Carlos. Sad for the rest of us.A great man has left behind grieving family, friends, neighbors, and patients. We will all miss you Dr Carlos.

May 28, 2013

What a Happy Birthday for Carlos. Imagine God Himself singing Happy Birthday Carlos!. Sad for the rest of us. A great human being will be missed by so many people; friends, neighbors, and patients will remember you always. Jerry and Judith Berken

May 28, 2013

Cindy and Bill Crawford

Helen,Laura,Roy and GiGi, Our hearts go out to you, DR. G. was one in a million. Love Cindy

May 28, 2013

Drake Emma R

My memories of DR Gonzalez will never be
forgotten. Over the past 27 years he was not only my Dr. but also a good friend. Rest in Peace. My prayers are with him forever.

May 28, 2013

Nancy Bell

My thoughts and prayers to all of Dr. G's family, friends, co workers. As a patient of his for over the past 20 years I will miss him immensely. I only trusted him and he always listened, never rushed and always got me the best advice personally and medically. I do not know what I will do without him. He always said he would work right up to the end and he did. Rest in peace Doc. xoxoxox till I see you again.

May 28, 2013

Ron & Natalie Drake Velthuysen

We will miss you Doc! Our prayers and deepest sympathy to your family.

May 28, 2013

Julianne Corbit

Helen,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

May 28, 2013

Sharon Weaver

Helen, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in love and sympathy.

May 28, 2013

Genia & Mac McCrery

Mac and I had many years with Dr. G. as a friend, employer, and Doc. He will be in our hearts and memories forever. Our prayers go out to Helen and family at this difficult time.

May 28, 2013

Glen/Nancy Miller

Helen, Glen and I are so saddened to hear of Dr. Gonzalez' death. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. If there is anything at Keaton that we can do to help you, please call on us. Sincerely, Glen and Nancy Miller.

May 28, 2013

Such a sweet man! Prayers sent out to the family.

May 28, 2013

Luther Willis

Doc was always a good friend to me, and a great doctor. He always had a kind word and a smile. May Our Heavenly Father comfort the family and fill your hearts and minds with the great memories of Doc. God bless you all.

May 28, 2013

GIR

I will remeber you forever. Your advise and friendship was a precious asset for me. Rest in peace.

May 28, 2013

Diane Greenhalgh

May 27, 2013

Marta Sandler

I still remember how I trembled and screamed when you were lifting those heavy weights. I thought they were going to crush you. You used to yell: "Mami, take this girl away or for sure I will drop these weights". May our Heavenly Father be with you always! Your loving sister, Marta

May 27, 2013

Marlene (Sandler) & Dario Mejia

Rest in peace uncle Carlos. I will always remember your 2-handed stand!

May 27, 2013

Jose Rafael (Pichon) Gonzalez

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Funeral services provided by:

Fero Funeral Home with Crematory

5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465

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