Donald Gonzales

His name was Donald Jude Gonzales, but everyone knew him as Speedy. When he passed away on July 15, 2018, he found victory in his recent battle with cancer and left behind a legacy of love and service that profoundly impacted those he encountered. His marriage of over 62 years to his surviving spouse and love of his life, Helen Danna Gonzales, modeled for his family, friends and community how to live a true sacramental union. Their unwavering faith and trust in God always formed the basis of their marriage and enabled them to find a measure of comfort and acceptance following the disappearance of their daughter Donna Maria Gonzales in 1992. That same strength of faith has flowed through to their surviving children: Ava Marie Losavio (husband Thomas Losavio), Kirk Stephen Gonzales (fiancée Barb Nemerovsky), Lisa Ann Zumo (husband Peter John Zumo), and Dana Diane Gonzales (Sister Dritamaris, M.C.). Speedy was particularly filled with joy for the gift of fourteen grandchildren: Wayne Losavio (Sarah), Deana Losavio Meredith (Michael), Mark Losavio (Zikeya), Mary Losavio, Timothy Losavio (Jordan), Rose Losavio Dedon (Taylor), Sarah Losavio, Catherine Ruth Losavio, David Losavio; Kase Gonzales (Kelly), Gina Gonzales; Luke Zumo (Katie), Jacob Zumo, and Teresa Zumo Faucheux (Norman); and twenty-two beautiful great-grandchildren (with one more on the way). Not once did the presence of any of these ever fail to bring a smile to his face and uplift his spirits.
Speedy was born July 23, 1934, in New Orleans to Carrie Busoni and Joseph Cyril Gonzales. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Joseph Gonzales, Andrew L. Gonzales, Elmera Vath, Olivia Melton, and Marie Tassin. He was raised in the Irish Channel area of New Orleans and attended Holy Cross and Nichols. He met Helen ("the most beautiful woman in the world") in 1950 and the two formally began a lifelong journey with their marriage on June 30, 1956. They moved to Baton Rouge soon after and Speedy began working at Sears selling shoes, then building supplies. He worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a senior agent for Allstate Insurance, where he retired as the longest tenured agent in the history of the company following 50 plus years of service. His success in sales was a direct reflection of his natural ability to focus on the needs of others. He followed a similar approach through his involvement with his church, children's schools, and numerous other community organizations. Through all this, he encountered many who will always speak fondly of how Speedy was like a father and mentor to them.
Speedy was a tireless champion and servant for the poor, the elderly, the sick, and particularly the unborn. Whether serving at a soup kitchen, providing refreshments and support at Right-to-Life rallies, performing at a nursing home with his Cajun dance troupe, loading emergency supplies at the Red Cross warehouse, or countless other community activities, his infectious energy left no doubt that his nickname was well-earned. Typical of his attentiveness to the needs of others, and despite the pain and suffering he was enduring, he proclaimed a heartfelt plea for racial harmony and exemplified this message through his ministering to the caregivers he encountered from his hospital bed. Speedy continued to bring the love of Christ to all he met even until his dying breath, and we are comforted knowing he rests eternally in the loving embrace of the Holy Family.
The family offers a special prayer of thanksgiving for all the wonderful caregivers who assisted him in his final illness. We ask that friends and family join us in joyful celebration of the life of Speedy Gonzales. Services will be held July 19th at Resthaven Funeral Home with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m., and July 20th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial. Celebrants will be dear friends Rev. Eddie Martin and Deacon Pete Walsh; pall bearers will be Speedy's grandsons. Interment will be at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider a donation to Louisiana Right-to-Life, American Red Cross, or the Missionaries of Charity in his memory.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, July 19, 2018
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

St. Patricks Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, July 20, 2018
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Service

St. Patrick Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, July 20, 2018
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816