Obituary of Gustavo Rafael Gonzalez

Gustavo Rafael Gonzalez, aged 93, passed away on September 4th 2024 in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He was born in Havana, Cuba to parents Natalia and Valerio. At age 24 he married Lourdes and they had seven children. A cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, he was a guiding light in our lives whose wisdom and warmth touched everyone who knew him. Gustavo was a distinguished academic. He graduated high school from La Salle, received a bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer, a masters in Physics from Northeastern University, and a PHD in Physics from Boston University. He was a well respected member in the Venezuelan physics community, being one of the founders of the physics program in Universidad Simon Bolivar and a pioneer in the field of General Relativity in Venezuela. Gustavo’s academic accomplishments made way to an impressive professional career. In the dangerous and volatile times of 1950s Cuba, he started out as an electrical engineer at a sugarcane plant, then he was in charge of elevator projects in Havana. His professional success and the vagaries of life led him to Harvard University, where again he filled the role of electrical engineer at a particle accelerator. Later he excelled as a researcher and a beloved professor. His academic and professional career can only be overshadowed by his personal life. It was said that Gustavo's home and heart were always open to people. He was always a kind and loving family man. A testament to this fact is that he is survived by 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was comfortable in solitude, but happiest around his family. His love for swimming was a reflection of his zest for life and his commitment to staying active and healthy. His stories and lessons will continue to inspire and comfort us. Though he is no longer with us, the legacy of love and strength he left behind remains in our hearts forever. His family and friends are deeply grateful for the time shared with him and the meaningful positive impact he made on their lives. In Repose Monday, September 9, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Funeral Service at 12:00 P.M. following Burial 1:30 P.M. Hollywood Memorial Gardens North Cemetery. Please keep the Gonzalez family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is Honored to assist the Gonzalez family with the arrangements.