Floreal A. Gonzalez (Mickey)
Floreal A. Gonzalez (Mickey) of Pelham, Alabama passed away peacefully during his afternoon nap while surrounded by family at their place on Smith Lake Saturday, October 17, 2020. He laid his head peacefully on his pillow after he was convinced the Mountaineers football team would win their game.
Mickey was Born February 2, 1940 in Layland, West Virginia to the late José Manuel Gonzalez and Clarice Patterson Gonzalez. The family moved briefly to California before settling in Pontiac, Michigan. After graduating from Pontiac High School at the age of 16, Mickey worked at Pontiac Motors until he convinced his parents to let him enlist in the Air Force at only 17. He proudly served his country from 1957 to 1961. He was a member of the Air Refueling Squadron at the Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas.
After being Honorably Discharged he returned to Michigan and began working at Pontiac Motors until he was hired as a mail carrier in 1962 in Davisburg, Michigan. He met the love of his life, Vickie, shortly after he began his career with the Postal Service. They were married May 23, 1966. In their 54 years of marriage they raised their three children, Michelle (Shelly), Anthony and Michael. In 1972 Mickey was promoted to Post Master of the Davisburg Post Office. He served as Post Master in Bloomfield Hills and Troy prior to retiring from Clarkston in 1992.
Mickey’s true passion was music. He was a gifted musician and entertainer and he loved performing. His light was never shining brighter than when he was playing music. He spent many nights and weekends playing parties at the Rochester Elks Lodge and the Pontiac Elks Lodge as well as weddings and other parties with his band, Night Shift. Anthony and Michael often served as roadies “helping” with the equipment. He loved teaching piano to students and watching them share his love for music. He would frequently play the accordion at family gatherings and watch Vickie’s face light up as she requested her favorites. He played the Cordovox, accordion, organ, piano, guitar, and banjo. He continued to share his love for music when Mickey and Vickie moved to Alabama after her retirement.
From his wife, children and grandchildren to the many nieces and nephews he took under his wing and into his heart, Mickey loved his family. His infectious smile and never ending jokes will be greatly missed.
Mickey was preceded in death by his father, José (Joe) Gonzalez; his mother, Clarice Gonzalez; his brother, Joe Gonzalez Jr.
Mickey is survived by his wife, Victoria; children Michelle Kline, Anthony Gonzalez, and Michael Gonzalez (Heather); grandchildren, Jessica, Duane, Carys and Coryn; great granddaughter, Minah; brother, Wayne and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial Mass: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 22 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 4600 Preserve Parkway, Hoover, AL 35226. The service will be live streamed on the church’s website: https://www.popcatholic.org
Memorial: In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to Little Kids Rock or a musical charity of your choice.
Dear Vickie & family – I am so sorry about the loss of your husband, father, grandfather. Mickey was always energetic, full of life and truly loved his music. He excelled in whatever he did. I’ll always have good memories of when we cousins got together during family gatherings during our childhood. May God comfort you as only He can during your loss. Love & prayers, Cousin “Jo-Jo” Josephine G. Honaker
Yes over the years so many special memories we had! W. Va. was forever in his heart as was music. Every year he looked forward to going to the family reunion seeing family and friends! I’m thankful he did get to watch W. Va. Football game one more time…
Yes Jo Jo he loved W.Va. so, every year would look forward to the reunion seeing friends and family. Always a special place in his heart!! He spoke of so many good times he had growing up. Always said we didn’t have much but it was the best. Air hugs to you… Vickie
To the Family of Mickey— It was with sadness to learn of the passing of my longtime friend Mickey. We grew up together in Layland, WV and started school together in 1st grade right up to 6th grade. At that time, our class became over crowded and several students were bumped up to 7th. Of course Mickey, being a bright student, was among them. He would come back to Layland over the years, playing music for our annual town reunion in July. It was the same weekend as our Pettinaro reunion and Mickey always made it a point to attend on our “Italian” day. We always looked forward to seeing him and enjoyed his love of life. The last time, he expressed his health concerns to us. We always looked for him to be turning off the road to Chestnut Knob to join us. As children I had always gone to his birthday parties, where he brought his accordion. Over the years I never once forgot when it was his birthday, Feb., 2, because it is Ground Hog’s Day. It looks like Mickey lived a good life with the love of a beautiful family. I offer my sincere condolences to his family & friends. R.I.P. my longtime friend.
Dear Aunt Vickie,
My condolences to you and the family for such a great loss. I would always light up when I would find out Uncle Mickey and Aunt Vickie were coming to a a Kirby event. You two always brought happiness and flare to every gathering you attended. I have very fond memories of you both and I will always cherish them. Hold your family close and remember all the laughs. Sending my love and prayers to you all.
Love Sara Jayne
To Vickie,my heart hurts with you and your wonderful family, knowing Mickey personally and professionally enriched my life considerably he tought me alot about music and how to make it fun and he was so witty and funny I loved the guy a class act all the way and I was fortunate to be in the Mickey G trio love you all
Vickie,
We just heard about Mickey passing and want to send our love and condolences to you and the family. I’ll always have special memories of Mickey and your family, and you and yours are in our prayers…
Love,
Murph+Goreti+Marisa O’Dea
I’m sure Jim was happy to see Mickey. I’ll never forget him. He was the best neighbor and friend we ever had in all of the places we have lived. He was great. His music was wonderful. I remember the first time I heard music coming from your house. I walked over and realized it was Mickey singing and playing the piano. I opened the door and stuck my head in and he said “come on in and sit down “ and he kept playing. I loved that guy.
Just watched Mickey’s funeral service on live stream. after all the accolades , all I can offer is that we were friends ever since 1954 when we attended high school we together. After that we joined the Air Force, shared many beers, pizzas, and were each other’s best man at our weddings. My wife, Sheila were honored to be God parents to his son, Michael. We grieved together at the loss our respective mothers and he gave a eulogy at my mothers funeral that was so moving, touching that my family will forever be grateful for. Rest In Peace my good friend.