Joseph "Mike" Gonzalez, Jr., of Prince Frederick, MD, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at the age of 68. He was born on April 2, 1947 in Washington, DC.

Mike was drafted by the Minnesota Twins as a pitcher in 1966. But Uncle Sam drafted him as well, he was stationed in Korea where he served honorably during the Vietnam war.

Mike lived in Calvert County since 1982 and retired from the United States Senate in 2002. He enjoyed playing golf, Nascar, drag racing and playing poker, especially Texas Holdem. He was a great fan of the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals.

Mike was the beloved husband of Melanie Gonzalez of 41 years and the loving father of Alicia Gonzalez-Swanner and her husband David, Kari Gonzalez-Marlowe and her husband Jonathan. He was the devoted grandfather of Jonathan Wayne, Blake Michael, Drew Nolan and "Baby" Marlowe. He is also survived by one sister, Joyce Bailey and her husband Claude and numerous other family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mike's memory to the Humane Society of Calvert, 2310 Dalrymple Road, Sunderland, MD 20689. Arrangements provided by Lee Funeral Home.