Feliciano J. Gonzalez (“Belo” to so many as well as “Tio Feline” and “Uncle Juan”) passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 14, 2021. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on July 17, 1919 to his loving parents Anselmo and Maria Clara. He was the middle child, bookended by his predeceased siblings, brother Anselmo Gonzalez and sister Purita Matta-Gonzalez.
Belo was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Marie McKinney-Gonzalez. Devoted father of his son, Ricardo J. Gonzalez and wife Judith of Dedham, MA. Cherished grandfather of: Nicole Gonzalez of Dedham, MA, Nina (Gonzalez) Mancinelli and her husband Louis of Dedham, MA, and Vanessa Romero (Gonzalez) and her husband Milton of Norwood, MA. Belo also leaves behind his four beloved great-granddaughters: Lucia Florio, Liana Florio, Sofia Mancinelli and Lydia Mancinelli.
“Tio Feline/Uncle Juan” also leaves behind his beloved nephew Enrique Matta and his wife Jacque O’Mara and family of Orlando, FL. His beloved nieces Clarissa Matta Malcom and her husband Charles Malcom of Morristown, TN and Glorita Gonzalez and husband Jorge Jimenez of San Juan, PR. On his wife Ginny’s side he leaves beloved surviving in-laws Geraldine McKinney of Santa Fe, NM, John and Jean McKinney, and Richard and Heather McKinney all of Dedham, MA. Also survived by many nieces and nephews that are spread throughout the country.
Belo’s early years were highlighted by raising chickens, gardening with his maternal grandmother, and many outings to enjoy silent movies. One of his favorite early memories was the six month family vacation to Spain to reunite with family, immersing himself in the culture of his ancestors. Belo’s life was dedicated to family which he carried throughout all (almost) 102 years.
Feliciano graduated from Union College in 1942 and from there entered into the Marine Corps where he was an Honor Guard at the White House and obtained the rank of Second Lieutenant during World War II. After the war, he attended Law School at the University of Puerto Rico where he graduated in 1947 and later attended Harvard Law School in a graduate program.
Belo met his future wife (Virginia McKinney) as an invited guest to her home for Thanksgiving in 1947. They fell madly in love and were married at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston on January 8, 1949. Two years later, they welcomed their first and only child, Ricardo. Feliciano was employed in the legal department of the United Fruit Company from 1948-1952 when the family relocated to Puerto Rico where he pursued a career at the Department of Justice followed by a term as a district court judge. His career continued as the head of the legal department for the Federal Land Bank of Baltimore and concluded as an attorney for the legislative services in the government of Puerto Rico.
Although the birth of his son was one of his greatest achievements in life, nothing could prepare him for the intense love and affection he would have for being a grandfather. Welcoming his granddaughters: Nicole, Nina and Vanessa was truly a blessing and source of great pride. Since retiring at a young age, Belo was able to dedicate his time to caring for and spending time with his family.
After losing his dear Ginny in 1987, he devoted all of his efforts into caring for his mother until her passing in 1989. Soon after, Belo officially left Puerto Rico and moved to his son’s home in Dedham where he added an in-law apartment. This is where his new journey began, taking on patriarchal duties and continuing his love for gardening. He spent hours outside, digging, weeding, planting and putting all of his energy into making the grounds look beautiful. When he wasn’t in the yard, he was attending many soccer and softball games. Being his granddaughters' biggest fan was something that he was honored to do and he became the adopted grandfather for all on the sidelines. He could be found at all of their sporting events with a coffee (or something disguised as such) in hand, sitting in his chair, chatting with parents and cheering on his favorite Dedham teams.
Belo was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His credo was: family, God, country, honesty and compassion. Belo would often humorously comment “when I go to the gallows I want a piece of chocolate in my mouth.” Feline would often be found sitting on a park bench at the Boston Common soaking up the simple pleasures of people watching and conversation. Belo made lifelong friends everywhere he went and kept in close contact with hundreds of people whether in person, by phone, or in writing. Those he cared for always felt special. Belo carried himself with dignity and self-deprecating humor and was a simple man with a heart of gold. He will always be remembered for his kindness, infectious laugh and sweet smile.
A celebration of Feliciano’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 23rd at 9:00 am at St. Mary’s Church in Dedham. Following the mass will be an informal reception in Mary Hall (the lower level of the church). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul with the memo line saying “Feliciano Gonzalez.” Mail to: St. Vincent de Paul - St. Mary’s, 25 Avery Street, Dedham, MA 02026.