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GONZALES -- FILEMON "PHIL" After a full life of 89 years, this kind and gentle spirited husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family and faithful dog, 'Pebbles', on March 18, 2012. Known as "Phil" to his family and friends, he was born on March 3, 1923 in Tyler, Texas to Jose and Josephina Gonzales who preceded him in death. As an infant his family moved to Albuquerque where Phil was raised. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Alice Gonzales; children, Lorraine Romero and husband Robert, Robert Gonzales and wife Cristina, Evelyn Piller, and Charles Gonzales with Monica Natewa; grandchildren, Elisha Montano and husband Thomas, Ryan Piller and wife Tonya of Tampa, FL., Carla Romero and husband Adrian, Carmen Saiz and husband Jacob, Orlando Gonzales, and Evelyn Gonzales; great-grandchildren, Brionna Romero, Jacob Romero, Alicia Saiz, Isaac Montano, Megan Piller, Brooke Piller and Aidan Piller. Phil served as a U.S. Marine in WWII and in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War and the Viet Nam War where he was awarded two bronze stars for valor. After a dedicated career of military service of 28 years, Phil retired from the U.S. Air Force as Master Sargent. He used his early retirement to pack and certify emergency parachutes for amateur and professional sky divers. He also worked for the U.S. Post Office for ten years as a mail carrier. Phil enjoyed his involvement with UNM as a ticket taker for Lobo basketball over a span of 52 years starting at Carlisle Gym, then, Johnson Gym and ending at The Pit. In an October 5, 2005 Albuquerque Journal article he was termed "Game Boy", an honor bestowed upon his dedication to his ticket taking which he performed with his charming personality. Phil was a faithful member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where among many church duties he was most proud of his ushering service. Phil and his wife Alice where honored by Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan with the St. Francis of Assisi Award in April 2011 for their service as parishioners to the church. Phil also served as a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of the Sandias and the entire staff for their wonderful care for Phil. A special thank you also to Fr. Steve Sanchez and to Fr. Jerome Mueller for your spiritual care. We bless our father and grandfather, Filemon, as he ends his journey on earth and joins hands with Our Lord, Jesus Christ Our Savior, and thank him for always taking the time to tend our needs in life. Pallbearers assisting Filemon to his next journey are Robert Gonzales, Orlando Gonzales, Adrian Romero, Jacob Saiz, Thomas Montano and Ryan Piller. His viewing will be held at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at French -University Chapel on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1818 Coal Pl. SE. A reception will follow at the church parish hall. Filemon will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery following the reception. Please visit our online guest book for Phil at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-843-6333
        Published on: Wed March 21, 2012