Legacy of a great friend!

Hey Gonz! I can’t believe and never even vaguely expected that I would be writing to express our friendship and how much you have been part of my life and well-being in all these years. I still remember the time we met at Sanctuary on October 26^th, 2003. From then on, our friendship just grew and we became like family almost!

I can never forget the awesome times we have had, whether it was socializing after Church, your giving me a ride when I was a poor Grad student whenever I needed, dropping me home after my late night classes from San Jose State, spending time at your office and cleaning your desk at SJSU, being the counselors’ counselor at the Royal Family Kids Camp, meeting for coffee/lunch/dinner whenever we could, watching Bollywood movies, cooking together, having some “healthy” arguments on politics, some deep and authentic sharing in our Men’s Group, or exploring to great depths of what was going on in each other’s personal and professional lives at any time.

Can I even start listing some of the greatest qualities I saw in you and how inspired I have been through those? The list will be too long and endless. But I loved how you so cared for people, no matter how they were. You consciously made an effort to make people feel welcomed and cared. You were so genuine in your words and never cared to impress anyone or any group. You thought you did not belong, but at the same time used that to make the real outcasts totally belong. You always aspired for a better world! You always questioned yourself as to how you could live a life that would be meaningful for others. You ensured that people will see your life and understand the meaning of being a true Christian. You always spoke for the marginalized, the oppressed, and the “others” in general. Every table you were a part of, you always reminded people of the society, the culture, and some if its shortcomings and what we all can do to change it. You were such a great son, brother, uncle, and friend. You were so dedicated in your profession. You had so many laurels in your education, career, and all other associations, but yet you were always so humble of all that! Every opportunity you had, you insisted on making a difference. You were such a great man! This list can only serve as a starting point to even summarize your achievements and greatness!

I still can not believe the fact that you are not going to be with us anymore on this earth, but I know for sure that you are at an even better place now, and constantly watching over us. We will certainly miss you physically around here, but I know all our great memories will remain with us forever, and nothing can take those away from us. We love you, and I know for sure you will love us as you always did! In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, your friend and brother always… Alfred

Alfred Jude,

Sunnyvale, CA

A quick note to my friend Gonzaga:

Gonzaga, I met you around a year ago when I started working as a coordinator in the Department of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism Management at San Jose State University. While I may not have known you for as long as I would have liked to, I am still honored to consider myself a friend of yours. Your positivity was contagious and your spirit was truly one-of-a-kind. I’ll never forget our sociological discussions as well as our conversations in Portuguese in the department office. It doesn’t surprise me at all how much you touched the lives of so many others, for you were a genuine person in a world that is suffering from a shortage of genuine personalities. May your soul rest in peace.

Take care Gonzaga,

Jason Amarante,

San Jose State University.

Condolences

May your soul rest in peace!

Our heartfelt sympathies go to your family.

Aldrin and Kezia Alberto

What an Amazing Person

I still remember the first day I met Gonzaga. I was in my last semester of my undergraduate degree (Spring of 2000) and had returned from internship for one of the few on campus meeting days we had that final semester. The same day the department was also conducting interviews for the open professor positions and we were lucky enough to get to talk with the candidates (I too remember Gonzaga in the suit that day). Honestly at that point, I couldn’t have cared less what the candidates were saying as I was graduating. Really, now as I look back, I can’t believe how important that day was in my life and how lucky I was that Gonzaga took that position at SJSU.

Gonzaga was an amazing professor. He pushed his students to the limits of their capabilities because he cared about them and wanted them to achieve greatness. He was one of the hardest working people I have ever met. I never took a class from Gonzaga, but I do have very fond memories of Gonzaga’s early years at SJSU. Back then he would often sit in on the graduate classes of the other professors, which you could always count on going from the regular lecture to a lively debate. I would not have finished my degree without him. While he didn’t let me off easy, he also refused to let me fail.

Gonzaga was a great friend. For some reason after I finished graduate school I actually got to see Gonzaga more often. At first we would have a reason for getting together (intern discussion, a presentation I was making for one of his classes or something else professionally related), but as we went on we just started getting together to talk over lunch. I never told him how much this actually meant to me as he was one of the very few people in my life I felt comfortable enough to speak openly with on anything.

Gonzaga cared. That is what I will remember the most. I can’t even remember how or when Gonzaga became such a big part of my life, but I do know that without him I would not be the person I am today. His belief in me actually inspired me on to things I thought I would never do. Last semester Gonzaga invited me in to one of his classes to speak. I would do this every semester for at least one of his classes. When he introduced me he told the class the story of his interview day and his meeting with the class of undergraduates that I was in. He pointed to the back of the room and the spot I was sitting in that day 9 years ago and jokingly told them a story about remembering a goofy kid in shorts and a t-shirt that couldn’t wait to get out of class. He remembered this because he really cared. I know that I was special to Gonzaga, but I know that because to him we were all special. He cared about everyone of us, his students, his colleagues, his friends, his family, and all those disadvantaged that needed caring the most. I am proud to have known such a great person.

Goodbye my friend. You will be missed.

Chris Ghione

Morgan Hill, CA

Is that my friend Gonzaga?

Passing through the hallways I often heard, "is that my friend Braaaandi?" and was always greeted with a huge smile. Finding out about Gonzaga's passing has shaken my family and a piece of us has darkened. My husband, Glenn, and I spent many hours with Gonzaga during our time at San Jose State University. Gonzaga was a wonderful man with an open and loving heart. I often felt other's didn't see in Gonzaga what we saw and loved. He helped me through a very difficult time when a family member had passed, Gonzaga's compassion during that time will never be forgotten. I only wish we had been able to say good bye and I can only hope he knew how much he meant to me and Glenn. Gonzaga truly was one of a kind- and has obviously touched many lives. I've attached a photo of Glenn, Gonzaga, BJ, and me at a scholarship breakfast- we will forever miss our buddy Gonz.

Brandi & Glenn Dionne

Class of 2006

Sacramento, CA

Dear Gonzaga

Dear Gonzaga,

I am saddened as so many are. Perhaps you are too. Did you think as you passed of unfinished things? Your To Do List was always long and exciting, but I think you had no reason to look back. The testimonials to your life are amazing, don’t you think? You must be grinning because I believe you knew just who you were meant to be and you did yourSELF (as we used to say) proud (your mother and father, too). Csikzentmihalyi would be proud, too... you were true to yourSELF!

Since retiring, I have missed our philosophy discussions, chewing over ideas and debating grounded research. You loved the playground of the mind; it was more real than the trivial tangibles tripping us up every day. You were driven by those ideas and debatable situations... eager to leap forward, to get somewhere no one else had explored, to make the world a better place, and to bring others along in the adventure. Often, I was a weight dragging on your foot, nagging about the reality the rest of us experienced... evaluations, publication, promotion, tenure, administrative details, organizing our offices... you know! In good humor, you politely listened, then went on with what was more important - the student, the colleague, the challenge, the discovery. And there you have it... a life of time too short for those you have left behind, but a life fully lived with all your remarkable capacity.

Thank you, Gonzaga, for taking me along for part of your journey. It was precious.

Love,
Moe

(You were one of two allowed to call me that - because you named me with caring.)

Maureen Glancy
Professor Emerita
SJSU

Memorial Service Annoucement

A memorial service to honor our dear friend Gonzaga has been planned for Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 2 o'clock. It would be held at Open Door Church (MPPC South Campus) at 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040.

A light reception will follow the service.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by sending an email to gonzagamemorial@gmail.com with the subject line "rsvp".

For a map and directions, click on the Google map below:

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A Tribute to Gonzaga…A Man with Wings

As I write this, I’m sitting on an airplane en route from San Francisco to Denver. While my flight was delayed, I picked up my cell phone and called Gonzaga’s office at San Jose State University. I wanted to listen to his outgoing voicemail message one more time before my departure. Although I didn’t leave a message, it was SO comforting to hear his voice again. As I boarded the plane, and settled into my seat, I prayed. I prayed for my dear friend Gonzaga and his family. I thanked God for the gift of Gonzaga’s presence in my life. During take off, I stared at the beautiful picture of Gonzaga with my son, Dylan, which was taken at Dylan’s baptism in 2002. Seeing Gonzaga’s smiling face again brought joy to my heart, and tears to my eyes. As I sit on the airplane thousands of feet above the ground, I see beautiful, white fluffy clouds from my window. For a moment, it looks exactly like Heaven. Suddenly, I am at peace. You see, for each time I fly I feel safe, because I ALWAYS feel closer to God and Heaven. Today’s flight was even more special, because I felt closer than ever to my dear friend, Gonzaga.

I remember the first time I met Dr. Gonzaga da Gama. It was the spring of 2000, and I was a graduate student in Dr. Glancy’s class at San Jose State University. Gonzaga was “auditioning” for one of his greatest roles as professor, mentor, and friend. It was the first and only time I ever saw Gonzaga in a suit and tie, and I just remember being SO taken by his passionate presentation about the importance of full social inclusion for persons with disabilities. The intensity of Gonzaga’s presentation that evening was so powerful that he ultimately landed the job at SJSU where I had the complete privilege of being one of his students. While at SJSU, I had the opportunity to take numerous classes from Gonzaga who also served as my graduate advisor. Despite having many challenges in my personal life while attending grad school, Gonzaga NEVER gave up on me. Always approachable, supportive, and kind, Gonzaga CONSTANTLY pushed me to be the VERY best! He was a tough professor with high expectations, but I completely THRIVED participating in such a rich and challenging learning environment.

Often outspoken, and ALWAYS an advocate for the underserved, Gonzaga was a BRILLIANT scholar with an undying passion for research. So much in fact, that he would often call me to share new ideas for potential research studies. Sometimes we would meet at Starbucks, and Gonzaga would whip out his laptop, and read me his latest findings!

I was always in awe of Gonzaga’s intellect; so gifted and talented. When I was around Gonzaga, I felt as if I was in the midst of a total academic “rock star!” He would often share stories with me about his other “rock star” friends; many of whom were featured in the text books we read in Gonzaga’s class! Great leisure scholars like Dr. Stuart Schleien, Dr. Leo McAvoy, and Dr. John Datillo were ALWAYS referenced in Gonzaga’s classes, as he DEEPLY admired and respected their work.

I remember when I finally graduated, Gonzaga told me that I was no longer one of his students, but I was now one of his colleagues! I felt SO proud to have him as my confidant and friend! Gonzaga was ALWAYS my BIGGEST “cheerleader” at San Jose State and beyond! His influence on my life as a student, professional, and human being has left an indelible mark on my soul.

Some of my greatest memories of Gonzaga might surprise you, but what follows are tender reflections of time spent with my dear friend. There was that summer when Gonzaga and I took an accelerated anatomy class together at Chabot College. We would carpool together to class, have lunch, and laugh hysterically when we would come up with goofy names and acronyms for certain body parts and systems. I can still remember looking at him during our all-important anatomy labs. We TRIED to be SO serious and studious, but sometimes I’d look at Gonzaga’s face and we’d both break out laughing! Gonzaga had a delightful sense of humor, and an infectious laugh! I also remember the time we found an injured baby bird in the parking lot after class. It was obvious that this bird had fallen out of its nest, and was hurt and scared. We both were SO worried about this little bird. We quickly scooped him up, and I later took the little fellow to the Humane Society to be rehabilitated back into the wild. This was the first (but not last time) that I would see Gonzaga’s genuine love of birds.

One of the things I absolutely LOVED about Gonzaga was that no matter how busy he was, he ALWAYS made time to be a great source of comfort and support to his friends. Throughout my friendship with Gonzaga, I experienced many disappointments and heartaches. From a painful divorce; professional set-backs and single-handedly raising a very headstrong teenager, to facing my mom’s devastating battle with breast cancer in 2008. Through it all, Gonzaga was ALWAYS there for me to lend his genuine compassion and support. Just being the amazing, sensitive, and generous soul that he was made Gonzaga’s presence in my life SUCH a blessing during those difficult times.

While attending Catholic school, my son Dylan decided to convert to Catholicism. There was just one problem. During that time, I didn’t have anyone in my life that could possibly be Dylan’s “sponsor/God-parent.” When I shared my dilemma with Gonzaga, he enthusiastically replied “I’m Catholic!” Without hesitation, Gonzaga proceeded to tell me that he would be delighted to be there for Dylan. It was Easter Eve 2002. It was such a beautiful service, and such a precious memory of my dear angel, Gonzaga.

In November 2005, my all-time favorite band the Rolling Stones came to the Bay Area for their “Bigger Bang” concert tour. I had an extra ticket and invited Gonzaga to join me and my family for this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience! I didn’t even know if Gonzaga liked the Stones, but he excitedly accepted the invitation, and proceeded to rock out the rest of the night! I remember dancing and singing with him in the aisles as “Tumbling Dice” played. In the words of Gonzaga it was “AWESOME!”

I also have fond memories of the MANY wonderful meals I shared with Gonzaga at the “Crazy Buffet” Chinese restaurant. We would often celebrate our birthdays together there. Although our birthdays were just a few days apart, Gonzaga and I always took delight in the similarity of our classic “Libra traits!” In so many ways, Gonzaga was the big brother I ALWAYS wanted, but never had!

One of the things me and Gonzaga shared was the desire to put our families first. Although I never had the opportunity to meet any of his family, Gonzaga ALWAYS spoke of his family with such admiration and joy. From his dear mother whom he loved and cherished with ALL his heart to his lovely cousin in Seattle who was like a sister to him, and his precious nephews in India, when Gonzaga spoke of his family, he spoke with a tremendous amount of love. Last year, I became my mom’s sole care provider as she bravely battled breast cancer. During this same time, Gonzaga’s beloved mother was dealing with her own health issues. While on sabbatical last year, Gonzaga selflessly took care of his mother’s every need. We would often speak about the challenges of being the sole care provider to an aging/ailing parent. We both agreed that it was the role of a lifetime, and the greatest gift we could give our mothers.

Gonzaga was a simple, deeply spiritual man with a BIG heart. Ironically, it was his heart that connected all of us to him, and ultimately it was his heart that unexpectedly took Gonzaga back home to our Heavenly Father last week. Gonzaga’s heart was overflowing with love for his work, friends, family (including his beloved “keets”), God, AND humanity. Gonzaga was a tremendous example of what it means to live life to the fullest, and to do God’s work here on earth.

I am comforted by the memories of my last conversation with Gonzaga. He called me just days before his departure to exotic, far away lands. We spoke on the phone for nearly 40 minutes. We talked about work, family, and our beloved pets. Gonzaga absolutely ADORED his little parakeets! He shared with me how he just LOVED going to the pet store, and watching the birds, and looking for the latest and greatest toys and accessories for his precious “keets.” We both agreed how WONDERFUL it is to have the unconditional love of a pet. One of the last things he said to me that afternoon was “I’m going to MISS my keets!”

Just like your beloved “keets,” the time has come my dear Gonzaga to spread your wings and fly. Although I am deeply saddened to have lost a dear friend here on earth, I am comforted in knowing that I have gained a TRUE angel in Heaven! May God bless and protect our beloved Gonzaga and his cherished family. May Gonzaga’s kind and generous spirit fill our hearts with love and compassion today and ALWAYS! I found this poem online (written by “Andie”), and wanted to share it with all of you, as I feel it best represents Gonzaga; the man with wings; an angel among us.

With your wings held high
You put a smile on my face
With all your might
You always left your trace
Never did I see you frown
For your smile was never upside down
Why is it that you loved me so
was I part of your soul
You were always by my side
And although you are no longer on my shoulder
I can still feel your presence
Your fluff warming my heart
I will always miss you
And I know the favor will be returned some day
For when I see you once again
It will be in the sky where
You will once again hold your wings up hig

Christine Lewman (San Mateo, California)

Gonz was a great, great man

Gonz was a great, great man. I wish that he is alive at this minute and either by my side or right in front of me. I miss him so much now that every second when I think about him, I feel like I'm going to cry.

He was like an Uncle to me and now he's gone. I liked how I would see him at parties sometimes and how I would see him at my grandma's house. I really miss him right now. I also liked how he would greet people in the nicest way. Now I will never see him again. There also something else that I will miss the most, his voice. I will never here that same voice again. I miss hearing his voice so much.

Especially seeing him. I wish I could see that same face at least once more. That Gonzy, was a great, kind, caring and most of all loving, person. He also had a great, great personality. I miss him so much. Gonz was a great man.

Let's all pray for
Gonzy as much as we
Can. Let's all pray
For Gonzy and be a
Big fan.

Riley Borklund, Age 7
(Paul Baty's niece)
Brea, CA

dear friend

Gonz, you were a dear friend to me and I will miss you.

You would check-in with me every so often. You listened to me, encouraged me and challenged me. You deeply cared for me and my wife.

I am left with fond memories with you - eating appam and egg curry with friends on your birthday at our place, having a pillow fight at yasi's place on her birthday, 'helping' you by cleaning your room in your absence by stuffing all your strewn out papers into trash bags and leaving them in your car :). The many rides to church and other places. The Signs of Hope / RFKC camp.

You had a big heart for those on the margins. Sometimes you felt like one and I commiserated with you. You were passionate and not afraid to speak your mind. I will remember our many lively discussions - sometimes, I would oppose you just to bring up the counter points or to see you bristle some :)

I am glad I was able to tell you that you were a dear friend before you left for India. Like yasi said, I will miss you and especially at the milestones in our lives.

Till we meet again, Rajesh.

Rajesh Philipos,

Mountain View, CA.