Ernesto Gonzalez-Crespo age 92 passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 24, 2016. Ernesto was born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico the son of Francisco Gonzalez and Nicolasa Crespo who preceded him in death. Ernesto served in the US Army during World War II under the 65th Infantry Regiment also known as the "Borinqueneers" and was awarded a Bronze Star. In December of 1951 he married Angelina Lopez-Hernandez who preceded him in death. Ernesto was the former proprietor of Progressive and L&M Super Markets in Gary. He later went to work for B&W Security Agency and retired at the age of 80.

Ernesto is survived by his 4 daughters, Angeline Gonzalez of Gary, Ernestine (Samuel) Williams of Valparaiso, Margaret (Hector) Baez of Gary and Maria (Louis, Jr.) Sanchez of Portage; 3 sons, Ernest (Delia) Gonzalez Jr. of California, Moses Gonzalez of Crown Point and William (Frieda) Rivera of Florida; 7 grandchildren, Adrian Baez of California, Esmeralda (Carlos) Escabalzeta of Valparaiso, Ernest Gonzalez III of California, Cynthia Baez of California, Angela (Dave) Russell of Gary, Eric Gonzalez of California and Elizabeth Gonzalez of California; 1 great granddaughter, Mia Angelina Escabalzeta.

Ernesto was also preceded in death by his sister Alicea Gonzalez-Crespo on April 21, 2016 and one grandson, Joseph Mark Reyes.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 28, 2016 beginning with 10:30am prayers and then proceeding to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am with Rev. David Kime officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage from 2:00-8:00pm with a 7:00pm prayer service. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013.