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Gilbert A. Gonzales "Gilly", 86, a lifelong resident of Pecos and Albuquerque, went to be among the angels on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ester; children, Eva Lujan of Albuquerque, Captain Anthony J. Gonzales (USN Retired) and wife, Julie of San Diego, CA, and Angeline Maldonado and husband, Kenneth of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Lisa Guevara, Luke Smith, Loyd Smith and wife, Terri , Markus Lujan, Michael Gonzales, AJ Gonzales, Adriana Maldonado, and Mia Maldonado; great-grandchild, Tessa Hernandez; sister, Mary Darr of Mission Viejo, CA; and numerous extended family and friends including Joyce Armijo, Annabell Silva, Juanita Martinez, Tanya Hernandez, Julie Duran, Pat, Tanya, Mark, and Matthew Maldonado, Theresa Giron-Garcia and John Ullom. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laura E. Smith of Albuquerque; grandson, Jonathan Gonzales; and sister, Sally King of Santa Fe. Born in Pecos to Jose and Guadalupe Gonzales on June 11, 1922, Gilbert was raised in Pecos and Rowe Mesa. In 1940, he joined the CCC in Santa Fe and was stationed at Conchas Dam and then worked in Colorado and Arizona performing defense work. He joined the Navy in 1942 and proudly served during World War II with the Naval Armed Guard located in the South Pacific, Caribbean, North Atlantic, and Mediterranean Seas. After World War II, he married Ester Mondragon of Denver, CO, and worked in Albuquerque as a plumbing and paint contractor. He then joined Civil Services with Sandia Base Engineers only to return back to the Navy to bravely serve in the Korean War while on the USS Los Angeles. Once his service was completed, he returned to Albuquerque to work again with Sandia Base Engineers and paint contracting. He loved spending time with his family and friends, playing his guitar, and was an active member of the VFW Chapter 401 and DAV. In 1975, he retired to Pecos to enjoy his wife, ranch, and animals. He returned to Albuquerque in 2005 to spend his last years surrounded by his family. Gilbert was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandpa. He never met a stranger and had many friends. He was loved and will be greatly missed. The Rosary will be recited Sunday, December 14, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Dr SW. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Monday, December 15, 2008, 9:00 a.m., also at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Father Gino Correa, Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m., in Santa Fe, NM. Pallbearers will be Luke Smith, Markus Lujan, Michael Gonzales, AJ Gonzales, John Ullom, and Eddie King. Honorary Pallbearers will be Marcell Garcia, Nino Archibque and Eddie Baca. A special thank you from the Gonzales family to Presbyterian Hospice including Jane, Darlene, Dawn, Linda and Lin and to our extended family and friends for their love and support, particularly Luke Smith who lovingly cared for his Grandpa during his final days. Please visit our online guestbook for Gilbert at RememberTheirStory.com. French 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
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