Ridgewood Dad’s Night Member Octavio Gonzalez Dies Suddenly
Octavio Gonzalez had never been more vibrant as the night before his death.
The song “Dad’s Night” by Ridgewood laments Octavio Gonzalez’s passing.
The song “Dad’s Night” by Ridgewood laments Octavio Gonzalez’s passing.
Gonzalez and Mike Lembo.
Gonzalez with members of Dad’s Night.
Gonzalez, Octavio.
Gonzalez, Octavio.
He laughed all night long with Ahmad Oloumi, one of his best friends, who said nothing seemed unusual.
According to Oloumi, he was the same. His usual cheerful self.
This is why it was so shocking to learn of Gonzalez’s unexpected death the following day, Sunday, June 22.
Following his passing, a GoFundMeto has been established account support Gonzalez’s wife, April, and their kids, Mateo and Ava, by Oloumi and Ridgewood’s Dads Night, a nonprofit organization composed of fathers from two of the village’s primary schools. The campaign had raised $73,000 as of the time of writing.
That figure, in Oloumi’s opinion, reflects Gonzalez’s character.
He exuded enthusiasm and charisma. Octavio had such a lively personality. It made little difference if you were a rah-rah sports fan, singer, or an introspective artist. No matter what, he had a way of making you feel heard, noticed, and better.
Gonzalez is credited by Oloumi, who currently serves on the Dad’s Night board, with luring him into the group in 2021. Octavio insisted that he become involved when his daughter started kindergarten.
“He was like, ‘There’s no way you can’t do Dad’s Night’ when your daughter’s going into the school,'” Oloumi remembered.
In an effort to boost morale in the community during World War II, fathers from Somerville and Hawes elementary schools started Dads Night. What began as a yearly student performance has grown into a full-scale comedy and skit concert every March, raising thousands of dollars for local education via connection, music, and laughter.
Oloumi never realized how much he needed it.
“Octavio was one of the first people to pull me in and embrace me,” said Oloumi. “I fell deeply in love with the company. It’s a fantastic method to make connections with a variety of men from various backgrounds that you might not otherwise meet.”
Octavio excelled on stage despite his career in medicine. After joining Dads Night in 2019, he soon rose to prominence within the group.
Kevin Quinn, who was also on the Dad’s Night board, claimed that he had a bit more flair on stage. He improved everyone in his vicinity. People were drawn to him because of that.
Gonzalez, however, was superior to Dad’s Night. He participated in Ridgewood Cheer for his daughter, Little League for his son, and a local men’s softball team.
He was well-known for his humility, politeness, and affection for his family.
“He spoke with such gentleness, even if it was just picking up Mateo,” Oloumi remarked. He felt a great sense of pride. He was a devoted father. The most difficult aspect of contemplating that gap at this time is that.
Oloumi remarked, “He was like a beacon,” He gave people a sense of visibility.
Some of the Dad’s Night dads gathered to support one another and pay tribute to their friend on the night of Gonzalez’s passing.
“Someone broke out an audio of his vocals, it was great to hear his voice,” stated Quinn. “Everyone started laughing again. I believe that many of us needed it.
Gonzalez loved karaoke, and scores of fathers joined him at the Orange Lantern in Paramus on Monday.
“It’s a huge loss for the community,” Oloumi stated. “His infectious personality and the man that he was.”
Ridgewood father Mike Lembo said it in the best possible words.
“Octavio was the type of buddy who brightens every situation, whether he’s on stage, flipping hamburgers behind the scenes, or simply lighting up the room with that iconic smile.
“He arrived. We laughed at him. He was honest. And he managed to do it all in style. He embodied the spirit of ‘Dads Night’ and was a genuine friend to everyone.
“Grateful to know him, lucky to roll with him, and we were always better when he was around.”
To see the GoFundMe page for the family of Octavio Gonzalez, click here.
