Honoring Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. with a Memorial Bench

We are Alejandro & Peggy Gonzalez and on May 6th, 2024, our beloved Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.—affectionately known as “JR” to friends and family—tragically took his own life by suicide at the age of 29. He was found in the Metroparks area of Parma, Ohio, a place he often sat on a bench to look out at the park.

Alejandro was known for his vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deep compassion for others. He had a love for sports and earned a baseball scholarship to Hiram College in 2013. Sadly, only a few months into his first semester, he experienced a mental health crisis and was diagnosed with Bipolar / Disorder / Schizophrenia, marking the beginning of an eleven-year battle for his mental and emotional well-being. Despite the struggles, he always said, “This is a new version of myself,” embracing life as best he could.

We are raising funds to dedicate a memorial bench in Alejandro's name at the very Metroparks trail he loved so dearly. This bench will not only honor JR’s memory but also serve as a peaceful space for reflection, connection, and healing for others. The cost of the bench, as outlined is $10,000 by Cleveland Metroparks https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/support/donate/tribute-giving/dedicate-a-bench

May 6th, 2025 will mark one year since JR’s passing—the first year his parents will face this day without their son. We are hoping to reach our goal by May 6th, 2026, and have the bench installed by then as a lasting tribute in the place that brought him peace and comfort.

Alejandro’s story is not just about loss—it’s about the reality of living with mental illness. Mental health struggles are deeply real and often invisible. For ten years, JR fought a private battle that too many people face in silence. Mental illness is not a weakness, and it does not discriminate. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding it keeps too many from seeking help. We hope JR’s story brings awareness to the importance of early intervention, compassionate care, and open conversations about mental health. No one should ever feel ashamed for what they’re going through.

Please consider donating—no amount is too small. Your support will help us keep JR’s memory alive in a place that meant so much to him. More importantly, it helps us continue a conversation that matters. Mental health awareness is essential, and through JR’s legacy, we hope to bring light to those who are still struggling in the dark. Thank you for standing with us, for remembering Alejandro, and for supporting this meaningful tribute.

Thank you for your love and support.