Gary Gonzales

Our family and community lost an inspiring and loving man on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, when Gary A. Gonzales, a resident of Espanola, NM passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51.  Gary was born in Las Vegas, NV in October 1970 to Horacio and Lydia Gonzales.  His family resided in El Rito, NM until the age of 8 when they moved to Espanola, where he lived most of his life.  Gary dedicated his life to his family and serving the community. He began his career as an EMT in Espanola before becoming a paramedic.  Gary and his family moved to Los Lunas in 2000 where he was a Neonatal Flight Paramedic at UNM Lifeguard as well as working in the Emergency Department at the UNM Hospital. Gary went on to become a registered nurse at Lovelace Heart Hospital.  A pioneer in telemedicine, Gary, in 2014, founded and was the CEO of Infinity Telemedicine Group in Albuquerque, NM.  After becoming empty nesters, Gary and Trish decided to embark on an adventure and began travel nursing. In those 5 years, they had the opportunity to meet and work alongside so many wonderful people.  Gary truly touched the lives of so many.   During the last couple of years, Gary was focused on completing his Master’s Degree and worked as a Nursing Instructor at the Northern New Mexico College.  His goal was to establish the first neurological clinic in Espanola.

Gary graduated from the UNM School of Medicine in 1998 with a paramedic degree. He continued his education and graduated from ITT Technical Institute in 2011 with an Associates Degree in Nursing. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University.

In addition to his education and career accomplishments, Gary was a published author and showcased at the 2015 TEDxABX Event.

Gary was first and foremost proud of his family and the life he and Trish shared. He was always there for and loving his family, from the children they raised to the care he provided to his grandfather, aunts, brother, father-in-law and many others. He loved being a husband, father, uncle, and celebrated his newfound joy of being a grandfather.  Gary was a faithful Christian and had a strong relationship with God. He had an animated and never-ending sense of humor, constantly making jokes and telling funny stories.  He loved music and played guitar.

He will be remembered for his kindness and loving nature, his generosity, and tireless desire to help others ahead of himself.  His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he met.

Gary is survived by his wife and best friend of 25 years, Trish Gonzales, son Michael Gonzales, daughter Stephanie Roybal, husband Joseph, mother Lydia Gonzales, mother-in-law Pat Lucero and Bill Chavez, and grandson Edison Roybal.  He is also survived by siblings Cindy Tyler and husband John, Yvonne Baros and husband Jake, Amie Leal and husband Ed, Tomas Lopez and wife Monica, brother-in-law Joe Archuleta and Marla, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roman Jose and Getrudes Gonzales and Mike and Georgia Mares, father Horacio Gonzales, stepfather Robert Lopez and brother Wil Mares.

The family of Gary Gonzales would like to extend special thanks to Deacon Chris Gilbert and the DeVargas funeral home and crematory of Espanola Valley.

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, a private family memorial service will be held, please join services via Zoom on Wednesday January 5th 2022 at 9:00 AM; https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89789080955 In addition, there will be a public visitation on January 5, 2022 at DeVargas Funeral Home from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

Serving as pallbearers are Michael Gonzales, Tomas Lopez, Joe Archuleta, John Tyler, AJ Tyler, and Joseph Roybal.  Honorary pallbearers include Kristen, Jason, Kaden & Alice Schrader, Shayna Tyler, Robert Baros, Tomas Lopez Jr., Tasha Quintana, Alexandria and CJ Valdez.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

The family of Gary Gonzales as entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley www.devargasfuneral.com or by calling 505-747-7477

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