Obituary
Jay was born on May 6, 1937, in Swedesboro, New Jersey, and departed this life on March 25, 2020 near his home in Sanibel, Florida. He grew up in Woodstown, New Jersey, where he graduated from Woodstown High School in 1955 and then Geneva College in Pennsylvania, in 1959.
Jay is predeceased by his parents, Clark and Aida (Stanley) Gonzalez and his former wife, Donna (nee: Hummel).
He is survived by his wife, Kate (nee: Denny), his sons, Jerry (MG) and Jon (Katie), his step-sons, Bob (Lori). Jim (Trish) and Mike Donohue, and 13 adored grandchildren; Maddie, Allie, Chase, and Everly Gonzalez; Trinity Donohue; Adam, Asher, Bryn, and Shannon Donohue; and Josiah, Liam, Hannah, and Pierson Donohue. He is also survived by his brother, Jan (Susan), his paternal aunt Kathryn Davison, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was close to his cousin, Ernie Hand (Gloria), and Jean Webber (Teddy), Margie Harrison (Jack), Janet Tweedle (Roy), and Judy Frett (Ted).
Jay proudly served in the Army Reserves. He started his career at NCR/Bache in Philadelphia and then worked at Janney Montgomery Scott as a stock broker/manager until his retirement in 2013. Jay was a member of the Woodstown Masons, the Woodstown Rotary and he helped spearhead the formation of the Marlton Recreation Park in Woodstown. He also coached the local little league baseball.
Jay loved traveling and spending time with his family summering in Stone Harbor where he enjoyed traditions of breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, taking the grandkids to get ice cream at Springers, and going down town. He eagerly looked forward to gathering with his Woodstown pals for their annual Old Fart’s/Crab Feast weekend, and joyfully, but with a keen eye, watching grandkids play on the dock and in the bay. Another favorite spot was his home on Sanibel Island, Florida. He loved having family and friends visit and sharing his own special piece of paradise. He relished walking on the beach, kicking sand, and putting his toes in the Gulf. He and Kate treasured time at Jensen’s Marina on Captiva Island drinking coffee, eating breakfast sandwiches and watching the manatee. Jay passionately rooted for his favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles (the Phillies and Flyers, too) and was thrilled when they finally won the Super Bowl.
Jay was famous for saying, “Blue Skies,” “Happy Bull Market,” “Thank God we live in a free country,” “Fly Eagles Fly,” and “Follow the sunshine.”
Due to ongoing Corona Virus concerns, a celebration of Jay’s life will be held at a later date in New Jersey
Donations in Jay’s memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior at 4899 Belford Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (or online) or to the Gary Sinise Foundation at PO Box 368, Woodland, CA 91365 (or online).
He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Jay's parents, Clark and Aida Gonzalez with Jay Clark Gonzalez 1938
I was saddened to learn of the passing of your dad. He was always one of my favorites at Janney Montgomery Scott. As a young Broker at Janney, he was very helpful to me and I enjoyed his company on the many Janney trips. I have vivid memories of your Mom, Donna, picking him up at the Philly Airport as we waited patiently and hopeful that our bags would arrive.
I hope all is well with you and your family.