Jonathan Gonzaga

Jonathan Andres Orozco Gonzaga, passed away on February 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Jon was born on April 4, 1986, to Robert and Consuelo Gonzaga in Glendale, California. He was the second of five children: Kimberly, the annoying older sister; Christopher and Matthew, the completion of the trio of troublemakers; and Amanda, the baby sister. He was also the proud uncle to Mason Robert, aka Princess, and Maya Nicole.

Jon attended CSU Northridge, but quickly came to a wise realization that school wasn't for him. Since then, he pursued different ventures of marketing, most recently departing from his position at MeUndies and rejoining the ranks at The Guitar Center as a Senior Email Marketing Manager. Jon definitely knew his niche. He freelanced for several companies, but never asked for a thing in return other than apparel he could use to promote the brands. He could sell ice to an eskimo.

Jon was the jokester of the family, cleverly coming up with ways to brighten up a room or to make people laugh, even during tough times. He had a lifelong affair with garlic fried rice and spam, chicken adobo and lumpia, albondigas and of course, The Original Tommy’s and Mi Ranchito.

He had an eye for great buys, and in recent years began collecting Hot Wheels, among other collector items. He would purchase rare Barbie dolls as gifts for his Mom. He took pride in his ability to find hard-to-get items or in scoring a deal with his strong negotiation skills; when it came time for family or friends to make a big purchase, they would call Jon and he jumped at the opportunity to help.

Jon had several life passions including golf, bicycling, dirt-biking, firearms, and spending time with family and friends. On weekends, you’d find Jon with his friends and brothers, playing a round of golf, riding his bicycle along the aqueduct to visit Dad, cruising along LA beaches, or on a quiet hike in the local mountains. He enjoyed the thrill of dirt bike riding, a hobby inherited from Dad. Quite frequently, he could be found at Dodger Games. He also enjoyed the slower pace at times: family get-togethers by the poolside, cold days nestled by the fireplace, an evening with friends– these were probably his most treasured.

The name Jonathan originates from Hebrew, meaning “God has Given.” In this life, God gave us Jon, a true blessing. Jon, in turn, gave his all to all those who he knew. Whether it was business advice, a helping hand, a joke to lighten the mood; Whatever it was, Jon always did it with the purest of intentions, wanting to help those he loved. Jon was the pillar of strength for his Mom and baby sister, being there to offer a listening ear, setting up the latest tech, suggesting binge worthy shows and music, or simply helping around his Mom’s house.

The memories Jon has given to us all will help us through the dark times ahead. We will hear his laugh, remember his humor, wit, and sarcasm– that is how he would want us to remember him. Jon was an extraordinary and loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. You will forever be in our hearts, Jon.

Jon joins his Dad, Robert Gonzaga, in eternal rest.

“Find out what makes you kinder, what opens you up and brings out the most loving, generous and unafraid version of you– and go after those things as if nothing else matters. Because, actually, nothing else does.”
- George Sanders