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Nicolas Gonzales Sr., passed away from this life to the heavenly arms of Jesus Sunday November 30, 2002. His father and mother, Juan Timoteo and Margarita Gonzales; brother, Roque Gonzales; and sister, Flora Gonzales preceded him in death. Living brothers and sisters include, Timoteo Gonzales, Ramon Gonzales Carol Manzanares of Denver; and Eva Gonzales of San Fransisco. Nicolas married Juanita Turrietta, who survives him on June 13, 1953. Children include Nicolas Gonzales Jr. and wife. Paula, Fred Gonzales, Paul Gonzales and wife, Sophie, and Jeanne M. Lujan and husband, Phillip Lujan Jr.. Grandchildren include Bernadine Garcia and husband, Isadore, Nicolas Gonzales III, Nestor Gonzales, and wife, Donnie Ray, Maria Elena Tidwell and husband, Joshua, Joshua Gonzales, Jared Lujan, and Aaron Lujan. Great-grandchildren are Desiree Garcia, Eliaz Garcia, Elijah Gonzalesand Jonathan Gonzales. Nicolas was born in San Antonito, NM on December, 1930 and lived in Luis Lopez, NM until 1946 when he moved to Albuquerque. He graduated from the old Albuquerque High School and then enlisted into the Navy and served his country in the Pacific during the Korean War. Upon his return to Albuquerque he bacame a member of the Albuquerque Fire Department where he served for 28 years. During his tenure in the Fire Department he was instumental in the development of the Arson Division and retired as a Lieutenant. He continued his work in arson investigative science for more thana decade after leaving the fire department. Nicolas was an avid geneologist and was able to trace his ancestry back through 13 generations. He made several trips to Spain and Portugal with his brother Ramon in this pursuit. Nicolas was a member of the Hispanic Genealogical Reserch Center, a charter member of the New Mexico Hispanic Cultural Preservation League, and a member of the Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation where he helped to establish a friendship between Albuquerque, NM and Alburquerque, Spain. He was also involved in the Albuquerque Founder's Day Committee, and was one of the initiators of the Founding Family Banners that are often displayed at various parades and cultural events around the state. Nicolas was eternally active in many community organizations including the DAV, the South Valley Exchange Club, 4-H, Association of American Immigrants in Alburquerque (Badajoz), Spain, and the Retired Firefighters Association. A Rosary will be recited Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the Ascension Catholic Church 2150 Raymac Rd. S.W. A Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Ascension Church. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. The Salazara & Sons Mortuary in charge of arrangements.
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