Gonzalo “Sal” Gonzalez Jr.

United States Air Force Master Sergeant Gonzalo “Sal” Gonzalez Jr. passed away on January 18, 2020 while in the line of duty.

Gonzalez was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Manhattan, New York. Although he grew up in New York City, he spent many years also living in Puerto Rico. He loved to spend time with his family as well as participate in sports such as baseball, football, and wrestling. While Gonzalez was working at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he met his wife, Katie, who was working in Pharmaceutical Sales. They had numerous mutual friends and frequently crossed paths while watching Ohio State Football games at Buffalo Wild Wings. The pair shared an instant connection and were later married.

Having had a great love for his country, paired with ambition to provide a better life for his family, Gonzalez decided to enlist in the US Air Force. He loved every bit of it from the moment he joined – the camaraderie, making a difference for our country, and helping others. Gonzalez made it his goal to work with the State Department, which he achieved. He was filled with immense pride at his accomplishment. Throughout his career, Gonzalez received numerous awards, and toured in Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, and Columbia, among other countries. While working at the Embassy in Bogota, Gonzalez’s boat capsized off of the coast of Cartagena, Columbia. He sadly passed away from his injuries.

Currently, Katie resides in Ohio with her daughter, Warner. She enjoys watching Warner play soccer and basketball, going to the movies, and visiting friends and family. In addition, she coaches her daughter’s basketball team and is very involved in her local church. In the future, Katie is excited to be able to watch Warner excel in sports and watch her grow into a strong woman. Receiving support from Tunnel to Towers has taken stress off of Katie. She plans on being more involved with her daughter’s school and sports. Finally, she would like others to know that her husband was a giver, he loved to make people smile, and he never met a stranger. He was a silent warrior, larger than life, and a true American Hero.

United States Air Force Master Sergeant Gonzalo “Sal” Gonzalez Jr. is survived by his wife, Katie, and his children, Warner, Jordan, Gino, and Giancarlo.