Umberto (Beck) Gonzales passed away on February 20, 2026, at 98 years old surrounded by family.

He was born in Cavite City, Philippines on May 16, 1927, the son of Arsenio Gonzales and Consuelo Ignacio. He was the third eldest among his siblings: Reynaldo, Mario, Ofelia, Virgilio, Cesar, Celia, Lydia, and Cora. He lived during the Japanese occupation in World War II and helped support the family so all nine of them could go to college.

He attended the University of the East for his B.B.A. in Commerce and obtained his M.S. in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila. In 1972, he was the SVP for Finance at the Philippine Advertising Counselors when martial law was declared, and media outlets were shut down. Needing to find ways to cut salary expenses drastically, he convinced both executives and employees to take pay cuts, resulting in no layoffs. They were the only advertising agency that did not let go a single worker at the time. In 1974, he was recognized with an international award from the National Association of Accountants. He immigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s, settling in Quincy, MA. He contributed his expertise as a Research Consultant at John Hancock Insurance Company and retired after two decades of service.

Some remember him as a voracious reader, passing down books as gifts to others. Or as a strategic chess player with a love for math and history. He was always prepared with gadgets and tools, a cheeky sense of humor, and his favorite fedora perched on his head. Whatever he did, he embodied a quiet resilience and kindness and was a strong source of moral support for the family. In his own words: “Life has been good. I have no complaints. There are many nice people in the world. Family is very important.”

Umberto is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cornelia; his sons, Bey, Dennis, and Eric; his grandchildren, Jon and Cosette; and his great-grandson, Darren.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Mass, which will be held at 10 AM on Monday, March 2nd at Saint Ann Parish, 757 Hancock St., Quincy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Catholic Relief Services or Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).