Paul M. Gonzalez

Paul M. Gonzalez, 72, of Liverpool, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on February 3, 2023. He was born in Lancaster, New York on May 11, 1950, to Michael and Martha Gonzalez. He was a partner in the Syracuse law firm of Sugarman, Wallace, Manheim, and Schoenwald (now the Sugarman Law Firm) and had been in practice for over four decades, primarily as a trial attorney. He attended St. Mary’s High School, Fordham University and Syracuse University, graduating with a degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship. He obtained his law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. Mr. Gonzalez began his career in private practice in the Buffalo area and served as deputy county attorney for Onondaga County before accepting a position with the Sugarman Law Firm. He represented numerous municipalities in civil cases throughout New York State, as well as a wide variety of individual and corporate clients in both state and federal courts. Mr. Gonzalez was a member of the Erie County, Onondaga County, New York State and American Bar Associations and an Arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. He also volunteered legal services for over 10 years at the Franciscan Northside Ministries legal clinic in Syracuse. He was a trustee of the August J. Galasso foundation, a charitable and religious foundation based in Western New York. Paul was a devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle. His life revolved around his children and family and had a way of making each person feel special. He was the go-to homework helper, pool boy and maintenance man of the family and most importantly Sammy’s biggest fan. His parents, Michael, and Martha Gonzalez, died in 1987 and 2006, respectfully. His sister Elaine Fenner of Council Bluffs, Iowa died in 2021 and his mother-in-law Anna Fioretto died in 2022. He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer and their daughter, Alexandra, and son, Sam. He is also survived by his son Paul and grandchildren Stella and Jackson, of Olean, NY, and his daughter Elizabeth of Rochester, NY, and by five siblings, Michael of Dana Point, CA, Marta Carney of Clarence, NY, Anna Gonzalez Kosek of Titusville, NJ, Martin (Martha) of Highland Park, IL, James (Diane) of Lancaster, NY and brother-in-law Robert Fenner of Council Bluffs, IA and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Gonzalez is also survived by his father-in-law Anthony V. Fioretto, of Clay; his sister-in-law Kelley (Bryan) Picciott of Brewerton, NY and nieces Ashley and Amanda, nephews Christopher and Connor Picciott; and brother-in-law Anthony V. Fioretto Jr (Andrea) of Syracuse, and their son A.J. Fioretto. Mr. Gonzalez expressed his deep gratitude to the many wonderful doctors and nurses involved in his care and treatment, and his partners and friends at the Sugarman Law Firm. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 9:15 – 10:45 am at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Paul’s life at 12 pm in Epiphany Parish at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1001 Tulip St., Liverpool. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Contributions may be made to the Epiphany Parish of St. Joseph the worker/ Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Liverpool or to the Franciscan Northside Ministries Legal and Medical clinics, 808 N. Salina St., Syracuse NY 13208, ATTN: Sr Dolores Bush, OSF, and Sr J.P. Ridgeo, OSF.

Paul M. Gonzalez

May 11, 1950 - February 3, 2023