Asturian Judo Leader José Manuel González Dies at 82
Niembro, Spain – José Manuel González, a prominent figure in both Asturian sports and politics, died this Saturday at the age of 82. He is remembered for his 16-year tenure leading the Asturian Judo Federation and his service as a national deputy.
A Legacy in Judo
González served as President of the Asturian Judo Federation from 1992 to 2008. During his leadership, he also held the position of Vice President of the Spanish Federation of Judo and Associated Sports from 1994 until his departure from the territorial presidency. His direction brought significant events to Asturias, including international martial arts festivals and the Absolute European Judo Championship.
“He leaves a legion of friends,” explained current Territorial president José Ramón Díaz Maseda. “With his arrival to the presidency, our sports became professional. The rest of us follow his path, his legacy. He did a lot of good to judo.”
He was honored as president of honor in 2018 by the Asturian Judo Federation.
Political Career and Commitment to Mining Regions
Beyond his contributions to judo, González served three terms as a national deputy, replacing Pedro de Silva. He was a dedicated advocate for the reindustrialization of mining regions, participating in the preparation of the Coal Mining Transformation Plan and the Reindustrialization Plans. He also played a role in the creation of the Association of Mining Regions, based in Brussels.
Early Life and Education
González held a double academic degree from the School of Technical Mining Engineers and the Faculty of Law. He began his career as a mining assistant at the Santiago Well in Aller, where he became involved in union activities during the mining strikes of the 1960s and 70s. He promoted the union group for mining technical engineers and was a member of the Hunosa Intercenter Committee.
Personal Life and Funeral Arrangements
González was married to Aurora Carrera and had three children: Sofía, Fernando, and José Manuel. The funeral will be held on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. In the church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Barro, followed by cremation at the Eastern Crematorium. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, at six in the afternoon in the Basilica of San Juan El Real in Oviedo.
Path
In 1975, he began his relationship with SOMA-UGT, promoting the creation of the Section of Technicians and Staff of which he was general secretary until 1983 when he was elected as a deputy.
FAQ
- What was José Manuel González’s role in Asturian judo? He served as President of the Asturian Judo Federation for 16 years and as Vice President of the Spanish Federation of Judo and Associated Sports.
- What were his key political contributions? He served as a national deputy and advocated for the reindustrialization of mining regions.
- Where will the funeral be held? The funeral will be held on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. In the church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Barro.
González’s dedication to both sports and public service leaves a lasting impact on the region and those who knew him.