Ernest Joseph "E.J.: Gonzales Jr.

Ernest Joseph “E.J.” Gonzales Jr, 74, passed away January 3, 2021 after a six year battle with Lung Cancer. E.J. is survived by a wife of 41 years – Cynthia “Cindy” Mueller Gonzales, daughter - Brandi Ann Gonzales, and grandson - Zachary Webb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Gonzales & Mildred Kay, and daughter Robin Gonzales. E.J. was exceptionally close with his in-laws: Ernest & Beverly Mueller Sr., Ernest & Janet Mueller Jr., and William and Sondra Konyha.   He is also survived by his brother Joseph Gonzales, and sister Margaret Giroux (Joe), along with many nieces and nephews. E.J. was in the optical business since the age of 18. Over time, he opened his own company, E.J.’s Optical, which provided many people on the Westbank with affordable eyeglasses. He was currently employed by Hoya Optics, with the hopes of retiring soon. Even after his passing, E.J. was able to donate his corneas, with the hope of continuing to give people the ability to see the world in front of them.  E.J. met Cindy in 1977, where they spent most of their younger years – the bowling alley. They created so many wonderful memories there, with friends & family. When they were not in an active bowling league, E.J. spent time making memories with his 20+ years of involvement in the Krewe of Alla. He always treasured time spent with loved ones; and prided himself as the seafood boiler of the family, boiling countless sacks of crawfish and crabs. Since his cancer diagnosis, he spent most of his free time trying to beat contestants on the Game Show Network, completing Sudoku puzzles, watching Judge Judy, all while eating bowls of ice cream and Reddi Whip. He marched to the beat of his own drum, and lived by his philosophy “I was only wrong once in my life, and that is when I thought I was wrong, but I turned out to be right”. He convinced himself he did not have cancer, and came home from appointments believing the doctors had it all wrong. While medical tests proved otherwise, we do believe this mindset is what kept him going for 6 years longer than anticipated. The Gonzales family would like to thank all doctors, nurses, and technicians, from East Jefferson Hospital, and Touro Hospital. We would like to personally thank Dr. Gerard Romaguera & Dr. Jayne Gurtler for their knowledge, compassion, patience, and devotion to E.J. Please join us for a mass at Christ the King Church, 535 Deerfield Road, Terrytown, LA 70056 on Saturday, January 16th at 11:00am. There will be a 2 hour visitation, prior, from 9am - 11am. Please remember to wear a mask, and practice social distancing while in Church. Family and friends may view the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com .