John Gonzales (La Guinea)

John Joe Gonzales (La Guinea), age 76, resident of Vadito, New Mexico born on January 11, 1942 passed away at his home in Vadito, NM on Thursday, February 22, 2018 with his loving wife, Eva, by his side.  He was preceded in death by his infant son, Mariano Gonzales; parents, Victoriano and Estefanita Gonzales; brothers; Eustaquio, Jose and Michael Gonzales; sister, Alicia Martinez; great grandson Alexavier Lucero and father and mother-in-law, Procopio and Cornelia Mascarenas.  John was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He has taken a piece of our hearts with him and will be dearly missed.  John was employed by Molycorp, Inc. in Questa, New Mexico for many years where he was given the nickname, “La Guinea,” because of his outgoing and talkative personality.  John could spark up a conversation with anyone he came across.  He was passionate about sports, especially basketball and was a proud fan of the Penasco Panthers and Espanola Sundevils.  His greatest joy were his grandchildren and he loved supporting them at all their athletic and academic events.  John was very proud of his “sierra” in Llano de la Llegua where he was also a rancher.  John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Eva, daughters; Charlotte Trujillo (Alex), Jane Gonzales-Vigil (Victor), Eva Salazar (Damon). Grandchildren; Chere Lucero (Fermin), Anthony Trujillo (Jennifer), Lexy Trujillo; Kristi, Sean and Karli Salazar; Loren and Leah Vigil.  Great-Grandchildren; Joshua and Kristan Lucero and Cade Trujillo.  Brothers and sisters:  Ramona Lopez (Tranquilino), Rosa Garcia, Otilia Polaco (Ike), Ermo Gonzales (Liz), Victor Gonzales (Diana), Liberato Gonzales (Josie), Bernie Gonzales (Rose), Lawrence Gonzales (Cecilia); in-laws; Teofila and Ruth Gonzales, Joe Martinez and Eloy Mascarenas Sr. and special nephew Abel Martinez Jr. (Priscilla). Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Penasco, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. also at the San Antonio de Padua Parish. Burial will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Placita, NM. The family of John Joe Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com