Jose Gonzales

Jose Alfonso Gonzales, our loving father passed away peacefully in his home on April 9, 2023, at the age of 94. A lifetime resident of Santa Fe, NM, he was born on June 27, 1928, to Filiberto and Catalina Gonzales. 

Jose enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in World War II and the Korean War.  Upon his return, he married his wife, Irene, on October 21, 1950, and started a family. He was a hard worker, working until the age of 80. Throughout his life he worked at Flugers, Margo’s, and as a security guard at the Palace of the Governors Museum, also serving as a crossing guard at Carlos Gilbert, DeVargas and Acequia Madre.  He was a longtime usher at Cristo Rey Catholic Church and a member of the La Conquistadora, Union Protectiva, Knights of Columbus, and Elks.  Jose had many friends from around Santa Fe, including the Mary Ester Senior Center and his McDonald’s Coffee group.  Family was important to him, and he enjoyed being surrounded by them.

Jose was proceeded in death by his wife, Irene, son Christopher, Great-Great Granddaughter Ariah, his parents; Filiberto and Catalina, brothers; Albert, Andres, Benito, Cipriano, Eloy, Frank, Mike, and Victor, sister; Rufina.

He is survived by his children Theresa Herrera, Alfonso (Catherine) Gonzales, Philbert (Janelle) Gonzales, Luann (Dave) Loomis, Evelyn McKnight, John (Carolyn) Gonzales, James (Kate) Gonzales, Wanda Gonzales, Gerald Gonzales (Colleen), 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, brothers; Eddie and Richard, sisters; Angie, Christina, Rachel, and Mabel, and many more family and friends.

The family thanks the VA Home Based Health Care, Maria’s Where the Heart Is Home Health Care, CareSource, Interim Health Care, and numerous others throughout the years.

Rosary will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 9:30 am at Cristo Rey Catholic Church.  Mass will follow at 10:00 am.  Burial will be on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:00 am at Santa Fe National Cemetery.   

Pallbearers will be David Loomis, Aaron Gonzales, Quint Gonzales, Evan Elizondo, Trent Gonzales, and Julian Gonzales.  Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.