Former Judge Alfonso 'Jess' Gonzalez Dies Suddenly

Lucas County Courthouse to fly flag at half-staff to honor his service

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Alfonso "Jess" Gonzalez, a former Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge, died suddenly on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Cancun, Mexico. Gonzalez, who was 57, served on the bench after being appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2019 and was remembered for his constant smile, hard work, and dedication to the community.

Why it matters

Gonzalez's sudden passing has left the Lucas County legal community in mourning, as he was widely respected for his service on the bench and positive impact on those he worked with. The decision to fly the courthouse flag at half-staff and suspend evening illumination of the courthouse dome is a mark of the high regard in which he was held.

The details

Gonzalez spent several years serving the court in various capacities, including as a magistrate, staff attorney, and law clerk, before being appointed to the bench in 2019. Those who worked alongside him, like Washington Local Schools board member Brady Hall, remembered him as a mentor who exemplified "true class" even in times of political divisiveness.

  • Gonzalez died suddenly on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Cancun, Mexico.
  • Gonzalez was appointed to the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas by Gov. Mike DeWine in March 2019.

The players

Alfonso "Jess" Gonzalez

A former Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge who died suddenly at the age of 57 while on vacation with his family.

Gov. Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who appointed Gonzalez to the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas in 2019.

Brady Hall

A Washington Local Schools board member who remembered Gonzalez as a mentor and friend who exemplified "true class" in a time of political divisiveness.

Bernie Quilter

The Lucas County Clerk of Courts who said Gonzalez would often stop by just to help or check in, and was good to work with in the courthouse.

Michael Goulding

A former colleague of Gonzalez on the bench, who said the entire court community is grieving the sudden loss of a hard-working and affable judge who served his community with distinction.

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What they’re saying

“Jess was a hard-working and affable judge who served his community with distinction. He was immensely proud of his family, to whom the court sends its deepest condolences.”

— Michael Goulding, Judge (WTOL 11)

“Not only a friend, but a mentor in true class in a time of political divisiveness. You taught me perseverance in difficult situations and a lot about good times and good food. Until we meet again, my friend.”

— Brady Hall, Washington Local Schools board member (WTOL 11)

What’s next

Funeral arrangements for Judge Gonzalez have not yet been announced.

The takeaway

The sudden passing of Judge Alfonso "Jess" Gonzalez has left the Lucas County legal community in mourning, as they remember a respected jurist who exemplified professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to serving his community with distinction.