Gabriel Gonzales

Gabriel Gonzales, Sr., 99, of La Placita, New Mexico was peacefully called home to our Heavenly Father on January 7, 2021 after a long and healthy life.  Mr. Gonzales was born on November 30, 1921 in Vadito, New Mexico to Rubel and Evangelina Gonzales.  He made his living and provided for his family as a self-employed entrepreneur who was a general contractor, master carpenter, plumber, and artist, all while owning and running the Gonzales Conoco with his wife in La Placita, NM.

In June of 1951, Mr. Gonzales married his beloved wife, Adelaida , in Vadito, NM.  Adelaida loved, cared for, and supported Gabriel throughout their nearly seven-decade life together.  Their life-long love for each other is an example for us all.

Mr. Gonzales was an avid outdoorsman who loved to spend time fishing and hunting.  Nothing, however, made him more happythan spending time with his children and grandchildren.  The example he set for a united family will live on as his legacy.

Mr. Gonzales was a devout member of the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Penasco and was widely admired for his humble example of faithfulness and devotion.  In 1933 on the Feast of “Dia de la Santa Cruz”, Mr. Gonzales entered La Morada de Nuestra Senora de Dolores in Vadito, NM at the young age of eleven.  Spending eighty-seven years as an Hermano de NuestroPadre Jesus Nazareno was a testament to his devotion and commitment to following in the ways of Jesus Christ.  He will be remembered as a beloved son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, padrino, uncle, hermano, compadre, neighbor and friend.

Mr. Gonzales is preceded in death by his parents, Rubel and Evangelina Gonzales, brothers Manuel (Ester), Roberto (Alice), Jose Clodoveo Romero, sister Claudina, and sister in law Lupita.  He is also preceded in death by three infant siblings, sister Selonica Gonzales, brothers Norberto and Olivero Gonzales, and his mother and father in law Delfino and Miquelita Martinez.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-nine years, AdelaidaGonzales of La Placita, NM, daughters Josephine Aguilar and husband Ben of Rock Wall, NM, Rosalie Salazar and husband Deacon Miguel of El Guache, NM, son Gabriel Gonzales, Jr. and wife Christine of La Placita, NM, and special goddaughter, Albenita Gonzales (George) of Amarillo, Texas.  He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Kathryn Vigil (Bert), Isaac Salazar (Nadia), Olivia Caraveo (Victor), Veronica Aguilar, Gabriel Antonio Gonzales (Nicole), Jessica Quintana (Ramon), Justin Salazar, Amelia Gonzales-Corbin (Josh), Denise Gaona(Chris), Amanda Salazar, and Aaron Aguilar (Candace).  Mr. Gonzales is also survived by brothers Juan E., and Adonais(Alice), and sister Lydia Garcia.  He was also proud to leave behind twenty-six great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.

Pall bearers are Mr. Gonzales’ Hermanos, Tomas Gonzales, Tomasito Gonzales, Aaron Gonzales, Charlie Lujan, Roy Lopez, Daniel Leyba, Fabian Martinez, Marty Martinez, Ramon Martinez, Dennis Martinez, Fr. Adam Ortega y Ortiz, and Andy Torres.

The Gonzales family would like to thank all those who have shared expressions of sympathy at this time of loss.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a mass in Mr. Gonzales’ memory be paid at your local Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM at San Antonio de Padua Parish with internment to follow.  All COVID restrictions and safeguards apply.

The family of Gabriel Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019