Ignacio "Ziggy" Gonzalez

Ignacio Gonzalez, better known as “Ziggy” or “Zig”, was born in Detroit on December 16, 1930 to Basilio (Joseph) Gonzalez and Maria Soledad Gonzalez (née Aceves). From his early years, the very studious Zig was drawn to baseball which he played with sister Mary, brother Frank, and their many friends. As a safety boy in school, he was treated to a Detroit Red Wings game when the teacher in charge of safety patrol took them to see the Red Wings play. Zig came home all excited about this game none of his family had ever heard of. Somehow, he dug up enough money to buy some beat up old skates from a shoemaker, and that started four brothers playing hockey. As they grew older, Zig also had them playing baseball with family and friends for many, many years.

After high school, Ziggy joined the US Air Force, and as luck would have it, he would eventually find himself stationed in Savannah, Georgia where his whole life would change. Zig was set up on a blind date with a fiery red-headed student nurse who immediately caught his attention, and a lifelong romance began. Ziggy married Mable Sanders in May of 1954 and their first child, David, was born at Hunter Air Force Base in February of 1955. Zig was discharged in September of 1955, and returned to Detroit with his bride and newborn son in tow.

Ziggy soon began classes at Wayne State while working as an optician, a skill he had learned in the service. His family began to grow, and eventually would include three sons and three daughters. After Zig graduated from Wayne State, he became a teacher at Wilson Jr. High, becoming a fast favorite with students and faculty. Additionally, Zig coached baseball at Western High School in Detroit, leading his team to win two state championships. He also taught at Western High School, his alma mater, for many years, providing laughs and making connections with every student with whom he had contact. It was almost impossible to go anywhere with Mr. Gonzalez or “Mr. G,” as he was fondly called, without him running into a former student whose face lit up at the sight of him. A lengthy conversation would ensue, the kind only a dedicated and caring educator could carry on. There was no such thing as a “quick errand” with Zig. Due to this dedication, Zig’s family had to learn to share him, something they were not always eager to do, but share they did-recognizing his commitment to other youth as a point of pride. He would often remind his own children that they had what they needed, while others did not. Despite the demands of his job and busy schedule, he made time for family outings and vacations.

While Zig taught and coached baseball, he did not forget his other great passion: hockey. He started several teams at the St. Hedwig’s rink in Detroit, eventually transferring the rink to Clark Park in order to continue the program. Zig really dove into organizing teams and playing hockey, becoming one of the first driving members of the Clark Park Coalition, a position he would always hold. He was the catalyst promoting Clark Park in so many ways-helping youngsters not only in hockey, but also with school work, park cleanup, and of course, baseball. Zig did all he could, working with other dedicated members of the Coalition, to make Clark Park flourish. It is no wonder that Zig was, and always will be “Mr. Clark Park.” 

In addition to his love of sports, Ziggy developed a great love of music; and while he was interested in all types of music, he was most passionate about jazz. When he wasn’t on the ballfield or the ice, you might find Zig at local jazz concerts or other local venues, including Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, where he became a bit of a “groupie,” with a particular penchant for a Detroit-based jazz ensemble by the name of “Ben’s Friends,” led by his good friend and colleague, Benjamin Pruitt. The “jazz circle” was yet another part of Ziggy’s life in which he developed life-long relationships, including a close friendship with guitarist Oliver Nevels.

Ziggy is now with his wonderful mother, sisters Mary and Ethel; brothers Al, Frank, and Ruben; son David and daughter Laura; and wife of forty years, Mable. He is survived by his wife Ellen, daughters Julie Barill and Cristina Gonzalez, sons Daniel Gonzalez (Karen) and Frank Gonzalez (Michelle), his brothers Roy Gonzalez (Barbie) and John Gonzalez (Edna), sister Olga Kramer, and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a multitude of close friends, who’ve been like family to Ziggy. He has left a huge imprint during his time on earth. Ziggy will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to his family, as well as a great friend and mentor to the many hundreds of young and old alike he supported in so many different ways; he will be deeply missed.

Visitation for Ziggy will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 10915 Allen Road, 48101. There will be a rosary held at the funeral home that same evening, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will continue on the following day, Friday, September 5, 2025 at Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit located at 1000 St. Anne St., 48216. In State 10:00 a.m., Mass at 10:30 a.m., followed by a procession to Woodmere Cemetery for a graveside committal service with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Angela Hospice or the Clark Park Coalition in Ziggy's honor.

Please visit Ziggy's online guestbook and tribute wall to share memories and leave condolences for his family.