Jose M. (Pepe) Gonzalez, age 98, died Saturday, June 25, 2022.  Pepe was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Rafaela (Rafa), his two sons Esteban (Steve) and Gustavo (Gus) and his siblings.  He is survived by nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Pepe was born on December 26, 1923 in Havana Cuba.  He began working as a teenager while attending the Havana Escuela de Comercio to earn his accounting degree.  Pepe married Rafa in 1951 and within a few years, his sons were born. In 1960, Pepe was an underwriter working at the Havana office of the Home Insurance Company.

When the Communist Government nationalized the industry, Pepe was offered a position in their Jacksonville, Florida branch.  Courageously with the clothes on their backs and less than $500.00 in cash, the family immigrated to the United States. Pepe worked for the Home Insurance Company for over 40 years.

After his retirement  in 1977, he began to work with Ned Jackson, INC to hone his income tax knowledge.   Eventually he opened NA-LA Business Services.  Pepe worked into his eighties helping individuals and small companies with their accounting, tax and insurance needs.

Pepe was a hard worker, an entrepreneur and a devoted family man.   He loved baseball, fishing, crabbing and boating.   As a well-known member of the Cuban-American community, he could often be found at the club playing cards or enjoying a glass of scotch.

A  funeral mass followed by a  reception will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on July 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Pepe's memory, to the Bishop Kenny High School Advancement Office at 1055 Kingman Avenue, Jacksonville Florida 32207.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home