LORAIN – Paul Apolinar Gonzales, 80, of Lorain, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2017 surrounded by his family at Anchor Lodge Nursing Home, Lorain. He was born on September 10, 1936 in Lorain. He graduated from Lorain High School in 1954. Paul served in the US Army, 1960-1962. Paul retired from U.S. Steel Lorain Works as a Plant Guard. He also worked at Fruehauf Trailer, Avon Lake. Paul enjoyed bowling, woodworking, watching the Cleveland teams, Cavs, Indians and Browns. He also loved feeding the birds, "the birdman". Everyone loved Paul's infectious smile. He will be missed by all that he touched. Paul was an active member of St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Lorain. He was a member of Mexican Mutual, MACC (Mexican American Citizens Club) and Los Fanaticos Browns Backers Club. Paul was also a member of Steelworkers Local 1104. He will be deeply missed by his son, Steven Gonzales of Tampa, Florida and daughter, Carla Ann, (Edward, "Tra") Pissott of Tampa; step-children, Rich (Sharon) Strong of Vermilion, and Steven (Daphne) Strong of Lorain; grandchildren: Kenny Cooper, Danny Snow, Zack Russ, Casey Gonzales, Tony Post, Tracy Post, Haley Strong and Tyler Strong and great grandchildren: Kali, Joanne, Anthony "AJ", Ava and Adam: brothers, Pedro (Chach) Gonzalez, Joseph (Gail) Gonzales: sisters, Maria "Trini" (Horace) Sanders, Mina (Raymond) Fortier, Margaret "Maggie" (Jerry) Blauvelt. Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 22 years, Eleanor (née Dominguez) Strong Gonzales; parents, Apolinar and Soledad (née Diaz) Gonzalez, brothers, Ralph Gonzalez and Felipe Gonzalez. Paul's family appreciates the care given by Anchor Lodge and New Life Hospice. His family will receive friends on Monday, March 6 from 4 to 8 PM in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, Lorain, where funeral services will be Tuesday, at 10:00 AM in the funeral home, then Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 2143 Homewood Drive, Lorain. Rev. Father John C. Retar, Pastor will be celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain, with Military Honors by The Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Chapter 20 of Lorain. His family suggests memorial contributions to St. Frances Cabrini Parish Endowment Fund, 2143 Homewood Drive, Lorain, Ohio 44055. For further information and to sign the online register book, see Reidyfuneral.com.