Albert Gonzales

Albert S. Gonzales, (Grandpa) Tierra Azul, 76 years of age, passed away on Wednesday, February 21st at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque following a brief illness.  Albert was born in Santa Fe, NM on March 28, 1947, to George and Modesta Gonzales.

Albert was a Veteran of the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He also served for the Army Reserves.  He retired from the City of Santa Fe serving 25 years in departments of Senior Citizens Center, and Parks & Recreation.   Post retirement he worked as a groundskeeper supervisor at St. John’s College.

Albert had a passion for basketball and it was through his passion that he was known for his service to his community. His love for basketball through his life showed as he played basketball up until his 50s.  He refereed basketball for the youth and was greatly known for the coaching youth basketball for many years until recently.  The community all knew him as Coach Grandpa or Grandpa.  He loved fishing and being outdoors and sharing so many stories and memories with friends and family. He had a amazing sense of humor and always told jokes and made us all laugh.  He loved his sports and was an avid Lakers, Cowboys, Yankees and Lobos fan. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Veronica Gonzales, his parents George and Modesta Gonzales, Augustine Lucero and wife Leticia, Lala Carrillo and husband Rudy, Terry Farmer and husband Glen, Flaviano (Flash) Lucero and wife Felia and grandson Michael Ortiz and close friends Tito Ortiz and Jim Roybal.

He is survived by his children; Donna Gonzales Arellano and husband Javier, Rosalie Gonzales and partner Mario Audelo, Sam Gonzales and Sandra Gonzales. Step-children; Joseph Morales and wife Georgette, Jeanette Morales and Joan Kelly and husband Marcos.  Grandchildren; Sonia Ortiz, Vanessa Hernandez and husband Apollo, John Jr. Ortiz, Gabriel Sisneros, Daniel Sisneros, Loretta Sisneros, Karen Gonzales, Sammy Gonzales, Rozlyn Baca, Naomi Martinez, Ciara Martinez and John Paul Padilla. 13 Great-grandchildren and so many more cousins, nieces and nephews who were all special to him including long-time friend Ray Martinez.

Surviving brothers; Jose Fernando (Nano) Gonzales and wife Debbie, and Bernie Lucero.

In-laws; Patricia Marrow and husband Steve, Rick Gonzales and wife Hela, Nick Gonzales and wife Helen, Marsha Gonzales, Nellie Gonzales and companion Renal Holmes, Danny Gonzales and partner Lawrence, Anna Gonzales, Loretta Gonzales and partner Jackie, Tony Gonzales, Carlos Gonzales and wife Betty, Peggy Montano and husband Steve, Nick Jr. Gonzales, David Baca and Maggie Gonzales.

Albert  is very much loved therefore he will always be loved and missed very much by his loved ones and friends as he touched so many people.

Rosary and viewing services will be held on Tuesday March 5th at Sacred Heart Church in Espanola 6:00 pm, NM.   Christian burial Funeral Mass to be held on Wednesday March 6th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Fe, NM at 12:30.  Interment will follow at the National Cemetery at 2:00 pm in Santa Fe, NM.   Due to lent, no flowers will be allowed.