John L. Gonzales

On November 23, 2018, John L. Gonzales passed away peacefully and returned home. He is preceded in death by his mother, Elvira Gonzales, father, Anastacio Santistevan, sisters, Anna Martinez, Edith Martinez, and Emerald Dolinger and niece, Tiffany Hopper. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Randie, daughters, Wanda MacCormack, Jan Quintana (Eli) and Alicia Fields (Brian Skinner), son, Johnny Gonzales II (Jill); grandchildren, Brian MacCormack (Jaclyn), Lance Burt(Santana), Justin Quintana, Jenice Gallegos (Celedon), Estevan, Elizabeth Hart(Bryan), Johnny III and Isabella; brother, Emil Santistevan (Evelyn), sisters, Lorraine Gray, Katherine DesGeorges (Joseph), Rosemarie Santistevan, Helen Jaramillo (Ben) and Carol Boyer (George) and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Charlotte Hopper, nieces, Rebecca and Trinity Lee Hopper and special friend, Leland Abreu. John was a teacher, counselor and coach for 30 years in Taos and Questa School Districts. He was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles from 1973 until his passing; still serving as Trustee and Past Worthy President. He became active at the state level and he served as the FOE New Mexico State Worthy President in 1997-1998 which was truly an honor and a privilege for him. He served in the United States Army for two years and after leaving the service pursued his education. He received his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University and later received his master’s degree in counseling from Adams State University. John loved traveling, especially to Las Vegas, and particularly to the Mountain West Conference to see his beloved Lobos. He was also an avid Dodgers fan and was able to attend several games, including one at Dodger’s Stadium which was a high point of the trip. His love of sports began in High School, especially baseball as a pitcher. He continued playing into his college years at NMHU. *That love of sports continued when he opened G & G Sports with partner Andy Gallegos. Once he retired from the schools, he worked in his shop full time and continued until 2015. *We will all miss him but know that he is watching over us. Rest in Peace my beloved! Services will be held November 30, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. The eulogy will be at 9:00 am followed by the Mass at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the St. Francis/Talpa Cemetery in Ranchos de Taos and the reception will be at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-expenses-for-john-gonzales?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_content=campaign_link_t&utm_campaign=welcome Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com