Jerry Gonzales

Jerry “Grizz” Gonzales, 39, a resident of Rodarte, passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eloy and Onecima Gonzales and Margarito and Oralia Esquibel; cousins, Mickey Gonzales, MaryEllen Sandoval, Justin Gonzales, Brian Romero, Wilbert Esquibel, Dale “Boy” Medina, Super Dave Gonzales, Norman Gonzales, BreAndra Peña and several close friends. Jerry graduated from Peñasco High School in 1997 and joined the Army in 1996. He served ten years in the Army. During that time, he did two tours of Iraq as a Sergeant. Jerry was a proud veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he earned several combat medals. His nickname in the military was “Grizz.” The discipline and patriotism he earned in the Army never left him. Jerry had a strong Catholic faith. He was an alter server growing up and always put God first. He joined the Hermanos at the age of 16 and continued until his passing. He was the leader of the Hermanos for the Morada in Rodarte. Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and going for firewood with his pops. He enjoyed sharing stories about Iraq and life in general with family and friends. He loved spending time with family and friends. Jerry loved listening to his grandpa Eloy talk about the war and life in general. This inspired Jerry to join the Army. He was proud to be part of three generations of the Army: Second World War, Vietnam War and the Iraq War. Jerry was a kind, loving, compassionate and caring person with a heart of gold. He was always ready to help anyone at any time. He appreciated life as well as his family and friends. Jerry could enter a room and brighten it with his smile, his attitude or even just his presence. He made friends easily and was true to each and every one of them. Jerry loved his parents and sister to no end. He loved his family and friends with his entire being. He always lived life to the fullest. Whether it was a phone call, text message or in person, he would not leave without saying “Love You.” We love you Jerry and you will always live in our hearts.  Jerry is survived by his parents, Florencio and Isabel Gonzales of Rodarte; sister, Jennifer Gonzales also of Rodarte; aunts and uncles, Felix (Marvella) Gonzales of Milan, Eloy Jr. (Minnie) Gonzales of Milan, Diana (Gene) Chavez of Rio Rancho, Thomas Gonzales of Los Lunas, Evelyn Pacheco of Rio Rancho, Doris (Anthony) Sandoval of Rodarte, Polly Romero, Gilbert (Priscilla) Esquibel, Andrew (Selma) Esquibel, Victor (Irene) Esquibel, Nelio Esquibel, Stella Koon and Patsy Esquibel; God-sons, Christopher Sandoval of Rodarte and Anthony N. Sandoval of El Paso, Texas. Public visitation will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. A rosary will be recited on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Peñasco. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. also at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church. Burial will take place at the Santa Barbara Morada Cemetery in Peñasco. The family of Jerry “Grizz” Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.