FINDLAY, Ohio — The community mourns the loss of Alfonso Jesus “Jess” Gonzalez, 57, who passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Cancun, Mexico. Born on September 5, 1968, in Findlay, Ohio, Jess was a devoted father, respected legal professional, and cherished friend whose presence touched countless lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso Jr. and Margarita (Sarabia) Gonzalez.
Jess is survived by his beloved daughter, Isabella Maria Gonzalez of Waterville, Ohio, his former wife and lifelong friend Angela, and his siblings Ricardo (Norma) Gonzalez, Javier (Jenny) Gonzalez, Patricia (Martin) Sanchez of Findlay, and Leticia Gonzalez of Laredo, Texas. He was also loved by a wide circle of cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, friends, and coworkers who will deeply miss his kindness and generosity.
A graduate of Findlay High School, Jess earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Police Science and a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University, followed by a Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law. He served as a partner at Churchill, Smith, Gonzalez & Kuhn LLP in Temperance, Michigan, and as a visiting judge at the Municipal Court in Maumee, Ohio.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jess was known for his love of family, sports—especially the Ohio State Buckeyes and Dallas Cowboys—and cooking for friends and loved ones. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Brandywine Country Club in Maumee, Ohio.
Family and friends will gather to honor Jess’s life on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home in Findlay, Ohio, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A rosary and scripture service will begin at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, with additional viewing at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
Jess Gonzalez will be remembered for his brilliance, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and profession—a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.