GLEN ROCK Private First Class Orlando E. "Eric" Gonzalez died honorably in the line of duty
in Baqubah, Iraq, on Sunday, March 25, 2007, where he was serving as part of the U.S. Army's
Task Force Lightning. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg,
N.C. Eric was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on June 27, 1985. He was raised in Glen Rock, and
was a student in the Southern York County School District. He was also an active participant
in various church activities at the Shrewsbury Assembly of God. He often worked at Summit
Grove Camp in New Freedom. He graduated from Susquehannock High School in 2005.
Directly after graduation, Eric enlisted in the Army, both to pursue a career, and because he
was passionate about being able to serve his country. He was always dedicated in
everything that he did - in church, schooling, friendships, his family, and especially the
Army. He loved to run, have fun, and hang out with friends. He earned the nickname
"Speedy" because of his ability to run the mile in under four minutes. Eric's family is proud
of his accomplishments in church, school, and the Army. Eric is survived by his father,
Orlando G. Gonzalez of Bridgeport, Conn.; his mother, Carmen M. Diaz of York; his sister,
Jennifer M. (Stephen) Jackson; his brothers, Frank, Michael, and Nathaniel; three nieces;
and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Eric's joyous presence will be truly missed by all. His
family is especially comforted in knowing that he is at home in Heaven eternally with his
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 3/31/2007.
Other Tributes
in Baqubah, Iraq, on Sunday, March 25, 2007, where he was serving as part of the U.S. Army's
Task Force Lightning. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg,
N.C. Eric was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on June 27, 1985. He was raised in Glen Rock, and
was a student in the Southern York County School District. He was also an active participant
in various church activities at the Shrewsbury Assembly of God. He often worked at Summit
Grove Camp in New Freedom. He graduated from Susquehannock High School in 2005.
Directly after graduation, Eric enlisted in the Army, both to pursue a career, and because he
was passionate about being able to serve his country. He was always dedicated in
everything that he did - in church, schooling, friendships, his family, and especially the
Army. He loved to run, have fun, and hang out with friends. He earned the nickname
"Speedy" because of his ability to run the mile in under four minutes. Eric's family is proud
of his accomplishments in church, school, and the Army. Eric is survived by his father,
Orlando G. Gonzalez of Bridgeport, Conn.; his mother, Carmen M. Diaz of York; his sister,
Jennifer M. (Stephen) Jackson; his brothers, Frank, Michael, and Nathaniel; three nieces;
and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Eric's joyous presence will be truly missed by all. His
family is especially comforted in knowing that he is at home in Heaven eternally with his
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 3/31/2007.
Other Tributes
| Pfc. Orlando "Eric" Gonzalez United States Army KIA March 25, 2007 Iraq |
| Tributes Carmen Gonzalez established this Memorial Page on June 21, 2007 |