Luis Ricardo González

 Luis Ricardo González 27 August 1954 – 14 May 2024 

It is with profound sadness that we publish the passing of Luis Ricardo Gonzalez, cherished brother, respected teacher, and talented musician. Luis created a life as a symphony of love, creativity, and dedication that left an indelible mark on all those who were fortunate to know him. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of Luis, whose warm heart and kind spirit touched countless lives. Luis was born on 27 August 1954 in Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Barbados to Reginald N. and Marilyn L. (Singletary) González, then of Holyoke, Massachusetts. He passed from this life on 14 May 2024, aged 69 years. Luis grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts where he attended public school and graduated from Belmont High School in 1972. In addition to scholastic study, from an early age Luis demonstrated his interest and talent for the piano, taking private lessons in Belmont. After high school, Luis first studied at the Berklee School of Music before transferring to Lowell State College. He became an accomplished classical and jazz pianist and performed recitals and concerts in the greater Boston area.

In the latter 1970s however, Luis suspended his studies and took permanent employment at Digital Equipment Corp. in Maynard, Mass. where he worked until the early 1980s. In late 1982, moved to “see the world”, Luis enlisted in the Navy and entered active duty in February 1983. After basic training and “A”-level schools, he reported aboard USS Estocin (FFG-15) as GSE. As a sailor in this ship, Luis did see much of the world. They sailed the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and through the Panama Canal to the Pacific. In February 1987 he was released from active duty honorably as GSE2 with Good Conduct and Sea Service Deployment ribbons. He was proud of and deeply appreciated the experiences his service life brought. 

Returning to civilian life, he again found employment at Digital Corporation. Luis also resumed his formal education through UMass Amherst’s University Without Walls. He earned a BA in 1995 and went on to earn an MEd in 1997. For several years he taught history as a secondary school teacher in the Worcester public school system. He took up residence in the town of Gardner, Mass. 

Luis always greeted everyone with a smile. His joyous attitude and pleasant demeanor brought happiness wherever he went. Luis' passion for music was infectious, and he frequently played in clubs on weekends. With other musical friends, for a number of years he organized a summer music and arts fest. Luis was also an ardent “birder”, and he enthusiastically explored the parks and reservations of central Massachusetts to spot familiar and new species. Luis's last years were marred by ultimately debilitating cognitive deterioration. He passed peacefully on June 14, 2024.

Luis was predeceased by his father, Reginald (2014) and mother, Marilyn (2018). He is survived by his brothers Ramon, Victor, Diego, and Federico, Ronald, and David; sisters Emily and Anne; sisters-in-law Yuan-Hsiu, Karen, and Eileen; brother-in-law Remi; nieces Maria, Bianca, Elena, Kira, Marley, and Isabel; nephews Joaquin, Tyler, and Antonio; and beloved step-mother Merlyn.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be considered to wildlife sanctuaries or reserves of your choice, honoring Luis’s abiding love of the natural world.

A Funeral will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 2PM, at The Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Glennallen St. Winchendon, MA 01475.

A Celebration of life to follow, Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 2:30-6:30 PM at The Old Mill, 69 State Rd, Westminster, MA. 

Please confirm if you are attending to karenandche@yahoo.com