Juan Gonzalez

JUAN GONZALEZ
Juan Roel Gonzalez, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Laredo on August 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and his devoted wife of 50 years, Gloria Isabel Ruiz Gonzalez.
Mr. Gonzalez was a man of honor, faith, and deep devotion to family, friends, and country. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as part of the Airborne Division. In the line of duty, he was dropped into the jungles of Vietnam and endured an extraordinary trial, surviving after being declared MIA for 90 days.
After his military service, Mr. Gonzalez continued to inspire through his lifelong dedication to learning and service. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology at the age of 59, followed by two Master's Degrees-one in Justice Studies at 64, and another in Public Affairs at 67. He went on to serve as a counselor, providing guidance and support to those battling drug addictions and mental health challenges.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Luisa Gonzalez, and stepfather, Theodoro Hernandez.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Gloria Isabel Ruiz Gonzalez; his children, Juan Roel (Elizabeth) Gonzalez II, Idra Venessa (Ruben) Rodriguez, and Ricardo Joel (Kristina) Gonzalez; and his eight beloved grandchildren, Dante Jules Gonzalez, Isabel Lynette Saenz, Diego Jesus Rodriguez, Hector Roel Rodriguez, Italie Mia Gonzalez, Novah Leigh Gonzalez, Liam Joel Gonzalez, and Sylvia Susana Gonzalez; his siblings Roberto Hernandez, Theodoro Hernandez, Jr., Lorenzo Hernandez, Melissa Hernandez, and Sandra Villarreal.
Interment will take place at the Veterans Section of the Laredo City Cemetery on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.