Jean A. Gonsalo

Jean Augustus Gonsalo, 89, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on Monday, October 8th. Jean was surrounded by his family, Fred (his Dog) and his hospice team.

After graduating from Boston College Jean joined the Marine Corps as an officer. He took great pride in serving his country and did so during the Korean War (state side). Jean was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Captain, but he never stopped being a Marine, Semper fi to the end.

After leaving the Marine Corps Jean went into the Financial/Brokerage industry and retired from Merrill Lynch as a Vice President.

Jean and his wife Mary then embarked on their 2nd life journey retirement in Hilton Head, where they spent 13 years enjoying life, each other and time with friends and family.

Jean loved to spend time with his family and especially loved the time he spent with his great grandchildren Novalee, Theseus and Isabella. The smiles that the family saw as he watched the great grandchildren play in his house were so heartwarming. You could also see the joy he felt when the family was all together, laughing, eating and just enjoying each other's company.

Fred was Jean's faithful and loving companion after his wife Mary passed away in 2016. Jean would normally be seen with Fred by his side, on his lap or riding on the seat of the walker as his Dad pushed him around. One of Fred's favorite pass times was when his Dad (Jean) would take him to the McDonalds drive-thru and get him his own hamburger with ketchup.

A special thank you goes to his Hospice team from Good Shepard of Lenexa.

Robyn, Sherry, Caitlan, Erin, Carol, Allison and Pastor Will. The Hospice team gave Jean time with his family that he would not otherwise have had. They also allowed his daughter's Elise and Susie to keep their promise to him and keep him at home. We couldn't have asked for a more caring and compassionate team to be with Jean during this last journey in his life.

Jean would look forward to his visits from the team and "the best ever" back rubs that Caitlin would give him. Pastor Will would come and play his harp for Jean and at one visit even got Jean's granddaughter, Jennifer, to play for them.

We would also like to say Thank You to his wonderful neighbors. They made sure he never went hungry and kept an eye on him.

Jean is survived by his daughters Elise Hartwell (Larry ), Susan Breece (Bob Chitty), his grandchildren Jennifer Breece and Matt Breece (Foua Xiong), his great-grandchildren Novalee, Theseus and Isabella and his dog Fred.

We all love you and you will be deeply missed!

A private ceremony for the family will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's honor to Good Shepard Hospice of Lenexa or the Marine Corps would be appreciated.