Jamie Alistair Gonzalez’s Granddad, Mel Gonzalez, Dies Today at 92, Says Bye to His “Jimmy Boy"

CHICAGO - Oct. 30, 2014 - PRLog -- "Jimmy Boy" – Jamie Alistair Gonzalez relates his account, “Sad news. Being away receiving treatment, it hurts that I am not with my dad and all of my family, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives right at this moment. And my flare-ups and outbreaks are way too debilitating to exert myself. Therefore, mourning alone.”

“However, I wanted to share publicly a few words about my friend, my role model, my biggest champion and supporter, my mentor, a great businessman with a colorful and prestigious past and direct lineage to settlers and founders of our great nations, an italian-spanish-irish-german blend and true downright Tex-Mex Man, from when the boundaries and land were still being defined, who humbly hired those that needed work, or spent every dollar in his pocket to help the poor and those in need, without cessation, and without a second thought. He never envied money, if someone needed, he emptied his coffers to help anyone he met who was in need, even if he didn't know them, even until his last days, he was the worker, the provider, he loved his mother and his father and cared for them when they were in need, he taught me to do the same, 'gain money or assets, give it away, it will come back.' Never envy, never greed, and never love of money.”

“I speak of my paternal grandfather, Mel (Melchor - named after one of the three wise men) Gonzalez V., 92. He was responsible for many major "firsts," of many kinds, responsible for many major milestones in business, land development, oil, and outstanding mechanical expertise. And his talent as a fine singer every time someone gave him a mic, his influence in culture, in Chicago, and elsewhere in the world with legendary bands and groups, who are relatives, friends and family”

“His older children were alter boys and served often and occasional private Holy Communion for the Daley family of the first Mayor Daley, as my dad helped offer those sacraments to the first mayor and his kid counterpart, later the second 'Daley' mayor.”

"Two, my dad one of them, of his boys served the City of Chicago, members of the Chicago Fire Department, as Chicago Fire Fighters, two of his boys, again my dad one of them, accepted the call to duty and served our nation as drafted enlisted men, soldiers, in the United States Army during the Vietnam War for several years.  And the rest of the family? His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren achieved outstanding and significant accomplishments across many fields in many places, in many lands, to high academic levels, for which he was deeply proud.  Moreso, tho, he showed pride that they were each service-oriented and humanitarian human beings."

“After his body started to shutdown last week, he has passed away peacefully today, October 30, 2014 at 12:30pm this afternoon, Central Time. It has been a long hard ten days or so for all of us, I'm sure for him as well, as he suffered up until his last breath.”

“He was surrounded by all of his children, including my entire immediate family - my mom, my dad, my sisters, and my niece all throughout the week, though he was alone when it happened, which hurts everyone. Even though I can't be there as I deal with my own delicate health and procedures, and recovery, my heart, thoughts, prayers and sad feelings are with all of them, as I think about and reflect on everything my granddad taught me in voice or by example, all of his jokes and humor, and his example of kindness and hard work.

“I love you grandpa! - Your ‘Jimmy Boy’”