Richard Gonzales

Richard Joseph Gonzales, 51, passed away into the waiting arms of his recently departed dad and mom, Filemon & Cora Gonzales, on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Now they may rest in peace for eternity together. He was born May 3, 1956 in Santa Fe, NM and would be their only child. When they died so did a piece of him. He couldn't bear life without them, he loved them so much. When he realized how much his own family needed him, it was too late, illness took his life. He grew up in Grants, NM and graduated High School there. He worked briefly for the mines and joined the Navy. After his 2nd tour of Duty, he met and married his wife of 23 years. He worked for the United Airlines for 22 years as an Aircraft mechanic. He worked in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and most recently LAX. He loved and participated in all sports along with his kids. He was a loyal Raiders fan. He loved all animals especially The Wolf Dog and he owned several others. He leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Valerie (Ortiz) Gonzales, his 2 sons: Sean, of New York, and Richard Jr., of Salt Lake City, his 2 daughters: Coralynn, his tweaty bird, and the Princess Christina, and her Lil Princess Taysialynn (6 1\2 months) she came just in time to meet her grandpa, his little sweet pea filled his heart with so much love & joy. He leaves behind his in-laws Frank and Antoinette Ortiz, a brother in-law: The Daniel Ortiz Family, and a sister in-law: The Elizabeth Jones Family, and a special nephew: Michael Huerta; all from CA. On his father Filemon's side, he leaves behind 2 aunts: Pina Quintana, Connie Garcia, 3 uncles: Manuel, William, and Eloy Gonzales and all of their families. On his mother Cora's side, he leaves behind 4 aunts: Thelma Aguliar, Becky Sanchez, Ramona Quintana, and Susie Roybal, 3 uncles: Ruben & Rudy Sandoval, and David Quintana, and a special cousin Angela Roybal, who loved him like a brother. He leaves behind many cousins on all sides. So many memories and stories still untold. He leaves behind a special lady "Mella Long", who gave him a beautiful sister, Julie Dye and Family, and amazing twin brothers: The Kenny and Lenny Noice Families. He left this world knowing all of you would always be there for his kids. He left behind the entire family of Mella Long. His last holiday would be Thanksgiving. It would be in Pheonix, AZ with his sister Julie, her kids, and Mella Long. The home was filled with love and laughter. Everyone was so happy and everything was so perfect. It was truly a magical holiday. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at Santa Maria de La Paz. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Santa Maria de La Paz. Private Interment will follow. Friends may log on to http://www.santafefuneraloption.com and sign the guest book. Please include memories that his children may cherish. The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 East Rodeo Road Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505 989-7032