Isaias Santos Gonzalez, 84, of Waterbury, Connecticut, passed away on January 25, 2026. He was born on April 11, 1941, in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, where his roots—and his values—were formed.

Isaias was a humble man who lived simply and loved deeply. He didn’t need much, didn’t ask for attention, and didn’t try to impress. His impact came from showing up, being generous, and taking care of his people.

He shared his life with his wife, Maria C. (Avila) Gonzalez, of Aibonito, Puerto Rico. As a husband and father, Isaias was steady, present, and dependable. Family came first, always.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anatacia Perez and Pedro Gonzalez Perez; his siblings Pedro A., Miguel A., Efrain, Teodoro, Antonio “Tony,” Benigno “Benny,” and Emilio; his son Noel Gonzalez; and his great-grandchildren Amari Turner and Luna Gonzalez.

He is survived by his wife Maria; his brother Walter Gonzalez; his children: Antonio Gonzales III (Milagros Rivera), Isaias Gonzalez Jr. (Betzaida Gonzalez), Santos Gonzalez (Elaine Crespo), Edmanuel Gonzalez (Sindia Maldonado), and Maida Rudolph (Jarrod Rudolph). He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him pride and joy.

Isaias was happiest doing the things he loved—taking long walks around Waterbury, playing dominoes, trying his luck with the numbers, fishing with his family, and spending his retirement days with friends at the corner store. He loved his accordion, his Red Sox, and his routines, including his Saturday morning “Marota.”

He was known for buying everyone drinks, laughing hardest at his own jokes, and his favorite phrases: “eso vale” and “vamo ver lo que viene.” These small moments are how he will be remembered.

Isaias Santos Gonzalez will be missed deeply and remembered always—for his heart, his humor, and the simple life he lived with purpose.

May he rest in peace.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bergin Funeral Home, 290 East Main Street, Waterbury. A funeral home service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may gather from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery.