John Gonzales

Johnny “Moon” “Gonzo” Gonzales- Born 6/21/49 passed on 9/26/23.  He was deeply loved by so many and will leave a deep void in our lives and heart. He was generous to a fault and enjoyed helping everyone he knew and even those he had just met. His personality was bigger than life and he was known for his smile and joking ways. He was a very hard worker, great mechanic and loved being self-employed, owning Johnny’s Towing in Rowe for many years.

He loved cruising around in his tow truck all over Northern NM. He also loved cruising his tryke and dreamed of going to Sturgis and the Vietnam War Memorial.

Johnny adored his many animals and spoiled them. His ashes will be spread with his fur baby Lefty, and I am sure all his other babies will join him in spirit and welcome him home. His fur babies Rascal and Duke are missing him immensely and will be loved and cared for by his hita and his grandchildren.

He grew up in El Rancho and graduated from El Rito Boarding School. He joined the Navy in 1968 and was stationed on the USS Forestal where he was able to hone his mechanical skills and see many beautiful sights. Although most of his pictures from overseas were of all the beautiful women he saw in Spain and Italy.  After leaving the service he attended Denver automotive and came home to Santa Fe in 1971 upon graduation.  

Johnny was preceded in death by his father Fred Gonzales, mother Carol Leatherman, stepfather Hank Leatherman, beloved sister Bernadette Garcia, brother Mario Gonzales and niece Mequela Padilla.

He is survived by his hita Rachel Gonzales, grandchildren Adan Grant, Jeramiah Gonzales and Amaya Gonzales, sisters Carmelita Morningstar, Christy Padilla and Patsy Roybal and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many loved cousins and lifelong friends.

Services will be held 10/19/23 at 12pm at Rivera’s Family Funerals & Cremations, 417 Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Rosary at 12:30pm.