UPDATE: They are at $30,000.00 in just over two days of opening the go fund me account and us posting it on this blog. It is an absolutely wonderful response and speaks so well about the hearts of the people in our REGJB community. BUT, we are going to ask you to consider digging a little deeper. We can get this to $50,000.00. If you have friends who are civil lawyers (and yeah, it's hard to be friends with those people, we get it) tell them what is going on and ask them to donate. If you sent $100, then skip Starbucks this week and send another $25. We are asking a lot, and we have no business doing so, other than we have a friend who we know would have been the first to contribute if this had been anyone else. If you know Greg, then you know he would have dug deep and spread the word. Let's do the same for him. Thank you. We never ask. We are asking now.
HR
We have rarely done this.
Many of you know that Greg Gonzalez has battled a deadly brain tumor for the past several years. We have now sadly learned that he has entered hospice care and a go fund me account has been set up for him to receive palliative care at home. We urge you to donate.
Greg was a fixture at the REGJB for decades. He truly was a person who always had a smile on his face. He was the first person to volunteer to help someone - a lawyer or a client. He was instrumental in supporting the creation of the Veterans Court because Greg served our country as Airborne. Like his military service, he was often first in on a difficult case or when a lawyer asked for help.
We cannot think of a better person who deserves an outpouring of love and respect for the life he has lived. If you can, please send something. Let him know that we all support him, as he has supported us with his military service and friendship.
Thank you.
UPDATE the list of names of people who have generously donated is so heartwarming. Judges. Former judges. REGJB support staff. Prosecutors. Pds. Regional Counsel. Defense attorneys. It’s amazing. Sometimes we can all come together and help a friend in need. From the bottom of my heart I thank you one and all for stepping up and showing that in many ways our courthouse is special and we are a family of brothers and sisters that help each other.
59 comments:
When I first started practicing I was working with an experienced attorney who had a PVH that he asked I continue as he was at the CJA conference. Of course the Judge denied the continuance and wanted to do the hearing at the end of calendar.
As a new attorney I was lost and worried about the outcome. Fortunately, Greg Gonzalez saw this exchange in the courtroom and he went out of his way and stepped in to help me get the case resolved by speaking to the both the State and the Judge. I will always remember this. Thanks Greg.
Thank you for sharing.
There’s a thousand of these stories about Greg and even more amazing is that I am certain there are thousands of acts of kindness that Greg performed without any recognition. He is that type of person who doesn’t need recognition. He just did the right thing. Someone who daily practiced random acts of kindness. One wonders why the universe gives such a great, kind, and caring man such an awful disease. It just doesn’t seem fair.
He also volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Such an amazing, kind and caring person.
as a veteran, why isnt the government taking care of his hospice care?
Phil as usual nails it with great eloquence and style. I can only concur with an example: After I had gotten a client into the Veterans Court, Greg befriended the fellow and took him on an Emmaus retreat. That is a religious retreat in the Catholic faith. Greg was always the first guy to show up and offer assistance. A man of deep faith Greg walked the walk and talked the talk. As Phil stated it does not seem fair that such a kind and decent man should be struck down by such a merciless disease,
Because we don’t take care of our veterans as we should. And while it’s easy to say the current administration’s budget cuts in the new bill hurt veterans - and they do - this has been a problem since the 1960s. The last great benefit for veterans was free college and grad school under the VA bill. But health care and help for those suffering from physical and mental illnesses has been sadly lacking. I’m very heartened about how the regb has stepped up for Greg. Please keep it going.
This is such a tragedy. Greg deserves our love and support. Thank you for this post and these beautiful pictures. Blessings and love dear Greg. You are so special.
If there is a God, he is a very cruel one.
Greg is a man of exceptional honor and virtue, I am so saddened by what he is going through
Damn. Greg is a good one. Always walked around with a smile and great attitude. I have no doubt he is surrounded by many who care for him and many who are with him in spirit. Be strong and keep smiling Greg.
Very sorry to hear about Greg. He has always treated me with respect. You don’t forget this. I wish him the very best. $100 donated.
He has been not just a great lawyer but a wonderful human being ;kind and always smiling. God bless you and keep you Greg.
I have fond memories of Greg, his kindness, and gentle nature. These are very sad news. I wish him and his family peace and strength in these difficult times. 🙏
I called Greg my "work dad." I started working at his firm when I was a teenager, and stayed there until I left for law school. He was supportive when I needed work flexibility to finish my college courses fulltime. He provided invaluable mentorship when I told him I wanted to go to law school. He helped me buy my course books, calling them my work bonuses so I wouldn't be too proud to accept. He was at my high school and college graduations, and at my wedding many years later. He attended my swearing in at the SAO, proud because he was an alum himself.
We stayed in touch through law school and beyond, but with time talked a little less each year -- never forgetting to text him for his birthday. Greg has a heart of gold. He has a quirky sense of humor and a gutteral chuckle to match. I know firsthand how hard it was for him to say "no" to colleagues and clients alike--leading him to take on a lot of pro bono work. The amount of people that showed up on his GoFundMe is a testament to the person he is.
I wish we had talked more. I made it where I did in my life in large part thanks to Greg Gonzalez.
Greg is a good man
Nicest guy
It’s so sad. Thank you to all who have contributed. It’s more than just the money collected - it lets this family know how much we care about all of the individuals that we work with in order for justice to be provided.
Damn this horrible news
Greg is a great guy, one of the nicest people I've ever encountered. Wish him and his family comfort and peace.
I don't think there are many probation officers who have not encountered Greg at some point in their careers dealing with a case or cases. He had a fair, but firm passion for the betterment of his clients while simultaneously interacting with POs as equal workers in a system that we are all trying to make the best of. In lieu of antagonizing, as too many do, I am sure his demeanor led to the best possible outcome in each situation he was involved in. I am daily praying that this
be a time of rest and refreshment for his good soul.
I had the privilege of working with Greg and sharing space with him for many years. We had a great time planning our annual holiday party and even a better time doing the post party recaps!! Great times! I love you my friend!
I have known Gregory for many years, since around 2005. He believed in me as a new immigration lawyer and helped me and mentored me to build my practice. 20 years later, I still have clients that know Gregory and speak highly of him. He is funny, intelligent, witty, sensitive, compassionate and a man of strong moral and religious values. He inspires me to be a better attorney and human being every day. His love for his country as part of the US Army, his tireless work for veterans with Miami Dade Veterans Treatment Court, his help with the homeless community, and his church activities for Emmaus, are just a few of the things that demonstrate the kind of person Gregory is. He is also a very good brother, son, cousin, father, lawyer, and friend. I am honored to know him. He is in my prayers every single day. It is an honor to donate to help give him a tiny bit back of all he has selflessly done for so many. Sending prayers and love to him and his loved ones. Please continue to donate and help this cause. 🙏🙏🙏
I have known Gregory for many years, since around 2006. He believed in me as a new immigration lawyer and helped me and mentored me to build my own practice. Close to years later, I still have clients that know Gregory and speak highly of him. He is funny, intelligent, witty, sensitive, compassionate and a man of strong moral and religious values. He inspires me to be a better attorney and human being every day. His love for his country as part of the US Army, his tireless work for veterans with Miami Dade Veterans Treatment Court, his help with the homeless community, and his church activities for Emmaus, are just a few of the things that demonstrate the kind of person Gregory is. He is also a very good friend, brother, son, cousin, and father and lawyer. I am honored to know him. He is in my prayers every single day. It is an honor to donate to help give him a tiny bit back of all he has selflessly done for so many. Sending prayers, love, and good vibes to him and his loved ones. Please continue to donate and help this cause. 🙏🙏🙏 Sandra E
It is with much sadness to report that Greg Gonzalez passed away earlier today. You are loved by so many. Thank you for being you.
Look at the generosity of these good kind friends of Greg - and his wife. God bless you Greg for the loving kindness that you shared with us all but especially with those in need. You are an angel in heaven. I’m glad to see not only your legal colleagues as lawyers gave, but also judges and former Judges. Look at the kindness of retired Judges Mike Hanzman and Judge Jonathan Colby. Look at Phil R. You are loved Greg.
I first met Greg about 18 years ago, while I was still an ASA. He was extremely pleasant to work with, day in and day out. Three years ago, when I came back to the REG, there he was again. The same old wonderful Greg. We would talk about New York City. We would talk about his work tirelessly helping veterans. He was a good person, and a truly sweet soul, as much in recent years, as he was years back. A straight shooter and sweetheart of a guy. I had heard he was battling something, and truly kept him in my prayers. I wish I had known about the fundraiser I would have surely chipped in. He is at peace now. An honorable man, who loved his country. I thank him for the things he did - all of it.
"Well, they showed you a statue, told you to pray
They built you a temple and locked you away
Aw, but they never told you the price that you pay
For things that you might have done
Well, only the good die young
That's what I said
Only the good die young
Only the good die young..."
Heartbroken to hear this. What a tragedy. A lovely man who will be missed. RIP dear soul.
He was a great man. He was very kind.
Greg's funeral.
Friday, September 5 | Viewing
Location: Caballero Rivero Little Havana
3344 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA
5:00pm for general viewing
9:00 pm end.
Saturday, September 6 Funeral
Location: Our Lady of The Lakes Catholic Parish, 15801 NW 67th Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
10:00am service
11:00am Knight of Columbus
11:30am Eulogy and Sharing of Words.
1:00pm Depart for Cemetery
Cemetery
Location: Caballero Rivero Dade North, 1301 NW Opa Locka Blvd., Miami, FL 33167
~ 1:40pm veterans service followed by cemetery service.
Greg's funeral.
Friday, September 5 | Viewing
Location: Caballero Rivero Little Havana
3344 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA
5:00pm for general viewing
9:00 pm end.
Saturday, September 6 Funeral
Location: Our Lady of The Lakes Catholic Parish, 15801 NW 67th Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
10:00am service
11:00am Knight of Columbus
11:30am Eulogy and Sharing of Words.
1:00pm Depart for Cemetery
Cemetery
Location: Caballero Rivero Dade North, 1301 NW Opa Locka Blvd., Miami, FL 33167
~ 1:40pm veterans service followed by cemetery service.
Sad news he was such a good person
Greg was buena gente. REG will be a bit less kind without him. RIP.
Omg! That’s the kind of person he was.
May he rest in peace without any pain or limitations. 🙏😞
Greg became a lawyer to help people. Greg was religious in order to help people. Everything he did was to help people and he was generous with his help. His impact on this world and his fellow man was huge. I hope he inspired thousands of others to follow his example because that's what its going to take to fill the void he leaves behind.
Dear Friends and Family of Gregory A. Gonzalez (Our Greg):
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your generous donations to the GoFundMe account that was created to ensure that Greg would be cared for and made comfortable during these last few months of his journey.
In total, we raised $54,810.00. After fees, GoFundMe remitted $53,130.75 to the Organizer (Ilzee Rabel). I would like to itemize for you how these monies have been spent:
$4,065.77 was used for 24-hour CNA’s and caretakers, and other related and necessary caretaking expenses; $3,160.00 was paid to Ms. Ada Ackner (Greg’s mother) for reimbursement of additional caretaking expenses incurred; $10,712.50 for the funeral; and $14,370.99 for the burial.
There is a total of $20,821.91 remaining in the GoFundMe account. As the Fund Administrator, I intend to donate these remaining funds in honor of Greg to several of the organizations that he held close to his heart. I know this is what Greg would want. However, before any donations can be made, I must wait until adjustments are made to cover any tax liabilities.
The organizations I intend to donate the remaining funds to are:
Knights of Columbus (Emmaus Brothers), Friends of Drug Court , Friends of Veterans Court, and two Churches that Greg frequented.
I would also like to create a memorial at the Courthouse to honor Greg, but this has not been discussed with the Administration.
Again, thank you for your support, friendship and love. Our hearts are heavy but we know that Greg’s memory will always be a blessing and his legacy will continue.
Can you publish this for me today
Dear Friends and Family of Gregory A. Gonzalez (Our Greg):
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your generous donations to the GoFundMe account that was created to ensure that Greg would be cared for and made comfortable during these last few months of his journey.
In total, we raised $54,810.00. After fees, GoFundMe remitted $53,130.75 to the Organizer (Ilzee Rabel). I would like to itemize for you how these monies have been spent:
$4,065.77 was used for 24-hour CNA’s and caretakers, and other related and necessary caretaking expenses; $3,160.00 was paid to Ms. Ada Ackner (Greg’s mother) for reimbursement of additional caretaking expenses incurred; $10,712.50 for the funeral; and $14,370.99 for the burial.
There is a total of $20,821.91 remaining in the GoFundMe account. As the Fund Administrator, I intend to donate these remaining funds in honor of Greg to several of the organizations that he held close to his heart. I know this is what Greg would want. However, before any donations can be made, I must wait until adjustments are made to cover any tax liabilities.
The organizations I intend to donate the remaining funds to are:
Knights of Columbus (Emmaus Brothers), Friends of Drug Court , Friends of Veterans Court, and two Churches that Greg frequented.
I would also like to create a memorial at the Courthouse to honor Greg, but this has not been discussed with the Administration.
Again, thank you for your support, friendship and love. Our hearts are heavy but we know that Greg’s memory will always be a blessing and his legacy will continue.
Absolutely
Greg was one of the kindest, most generous men I have ever known. I always loved talking to him at REG; always reminded me of the importance of our work & how we were fighting the good fight! God speed Greg, you will be missed!
We are watching your actions with these funds and your unilateral decisions making which have gone against Greg and his family. It’s not your money - trust was misplaced in you. But many of us are ready to make your wrong a right. We will follow Greg’s Legacy of goodness. You have been warned. Do the right thing.
Why no love from the judges who did the dirty work for for 3 decades? too arrogant , too concerned about your image or the bar nazis?
Rest in peace my friend.
Rest in peace my friend.
With all due respect to whomever from Greg's family posted about questioning how the Go Fund Me monies have and are being spent, I think you need to keep in mind that those funds were contributed by members of this community for Greg's care. Whatever is left after he is gone should either be returned to those who gave it or donated as the organizer believes Greg would have wanted the money spent. This was not a fund for Greg's family, it was money for Greg's care. Once he is gone, why would the family be entitled to anything?? This is not an inheritance, not life insurance, not an annuity. It should be used to honor Greg or returned to those who donated in a pro-rated manner.
We all donated money for Greg’s care. When you donate the money is gone, given in a trust that it will be used for the right purpose. It was. There is left over funds. I have no clue how those funds would be reimbursed. It seems that the donations are to charities that were important to Greg and are a fitting memorial to him. I cannot imagine him being upset with the money being used to fund charities he cared about. So let it go. No drama here. Let him rest in peace and let his family move on.
It’s not an entitlement. Ilzee still owes money paid to the funeral services for the amount of $2400.00 she refused to pay it to Greg’s mom.
Those were added services the day the arrangements were made. She has the contract and the payment that was made. Greg came from an honest family. His mother is the most caring and honest person on earth just like Greg. She paid all of his expenses and care for almost two years. As his mother, she doesn’t care about the money left in the Go Fund Me but she wants to make sure that Ilzee donates to all the organizations that Greg would’ve wanted to. She is grateful that this fund was made for Greg as she was running out of money after almost two years since he was diagnosed with cancer. She paid everything so before you make a comment like that you should know who his mom is.
I am Greg’s cousin. His mother is happy that the money will be donated to the organizations he so much cared about.the problem is that Ilzee refused to pay the last bill for $2400.00 that the funeral charged for added services but that’s okay . We are very grateful that this fund was provided for his last months care and most of the funeral bills. Greg’s mom paid for all of his care since he was diagnosed with cancer. You don’t know our family. We are the most honest and caring people in the world. Greg’s actions prove where he came from. His mom is an angel on earth left to grieve the loss of her dear son. They were very close. She is 82 years old and she would never want to take advantage of anyone.
Greg’s family is very grateful for the Go Fund Me and want to thank everyone that donated to this fund.she is also happy that the money will be donated to places that he much cared about. Thank you for that.
Where you failed; you were very arrogant anytime his mom tried to talk to you or Mary about this fund while trying to understand what would be paid for Greg’s care and expenses. She did not even know you. She is 83 and doesn’t understand a lot about this type of fund and just wanted to make sure that no one was taking advantage of him. In case you don’t know, she is the most giving person on earth. Mary knows that. Remember that you refused to pay the added expenses for the funeral arrangements but that’s fine. The family helped her cover those expenses, $2500.00.
Again, we want to thank all of the donors, colleagues and friends that somehow came across him during his life.
His mom wants to thank you
True
Thank all for their donations. Greg’s mom is very grateful for this.
Thank you for your message and for sharing more about Greg’s family and the care that was provided. I recently found out about his death and he was a great man.
I want to clarify that the GoFundMe funds were specifically raised to support Greg’s living care aid, not for funeral expenses. However, I do recognize that it was a relief that these funds were available to help cover the funeral expenses during a very difficult time, even though that was not the original agreement or intention communicated to donors.
While I am grateful the funds could offer some support, it is important to honor the commitments made to those who contributed. Given the original purpose of the GoFundMe, and out of respect for the intentions of the donors, using the remaining funds toward charity and a memorial in Greg’s honor is the most appropriate course of action. This approach will both honor Greg’s memory and ensure that the funds are used in a way that aligns with what was agreed upon and expected by those who contributed. Rest in peace friend.
We agree
Thank you
When you see something that is not right, not fair, find a way to get in the way and cause trouble. Congressman John Lewis
I agree
Greg’s family is very thankful for your contribution for his care. His illness lasted almost two years. His mom is very grateful to all of his colleagues and friends that helped when she needed this the most.
Thank you
To all,
Greg’s family want to thank all for your contributions and love. We witnessed so much love and hurt at the funeral service as some of his colleagues told stories about their experience with Greg.
That will stay with me forever.
Thank you
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