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Neal Gonzalez, a resident of Albuquerque since 1968, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2002. He was the loving husband to Lois Gonzalez for 55 years. She passed away October 5, 2001. He was the loving father of daughters, Linda Diane Lindauer and husband, Chris, of Fairfield, CA and Joann Griffith and husband, Joseph, of Albuquerque; son, David Neal Gonzalez of Alamogordo; six grandchildren, Brad, Kelly, Ryan, Jesse, Sean and Valerie; two great-grandchildren, Ayla and Zeff; three brothers, Jim, Angelo and Paul; one sister, Josephine. Mr. Gonzalez was a Veteran of WW II and was the President of the New Mexico Federation of Labor AFL-CIO for 24 years, retiring in 1991. Prior to that he had served as Business Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Carlsbad, NM for ten years and was a founding member and President of the Carlsbad Boys' Club. Mr. Gonzalez was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 611. He was an active lobbyist for labor in the Santa Fe Legislature since 1959, and served as legislative representative for every session of the legislature and Constitutional Convention from 1967 to 1992. Having served under the administration of seven governors, he received appointments to many Boards and Commissions. Among these were the State Electrical Board, the State Economic Development Board, the Jobs and Training Commission, the Vocational-Education Board, the State Personnel Board, the Workers' Compensation Task Force, NM Human Resources Development Institute Board, State Real Estate Commission, Governor's Advisory Committee on Higher Education, and the Judicial Salary Committee. In 1979, he was awarded the highest honor of the New Mexico labor movement-the J. G. McCoy Award-named after the influential union member who was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives. Among other awards he received: The Young Democrats Award, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Outstanding Service, UFCW Award, and the Hall of Fame Award from the New Mexico Democratic Party. He was an active Democrat since 1952 and had been elected a delegate to four National Democratic Conventions. He served on the State Central Committee and the Chairman's Council. For 28 years he was active in every national, statewide and legislative campaign. His life was characterized by his exemplary service to others and by his love for his family and friends. Cremation has taken place and memorial graveside services will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM on Wednesday, October 30, 2002, 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Markley officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, 2425 Ridgecrest Drive, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. A special thank you to Pat Lindauer and Vista Care Hospice for their caring, kindness and support. Arrangements by French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel.
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