Jose "Albert" - Age 76 - Velarde - Gonzales

JOSE “ALBERT” GONZALES, 76, a resident of Velarde, the love of our lives went home to be with our Heavenly Father following a short illness on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. Albert retired from the State Highway Department in July 1993. He treasured all the time spent with his family, especially “Sunday” lunches. He enjoyed his time outside, whether it was doing yard work or relaxing on the porch. He was preceded in death by his first grandchild he called his “Angel”, Desiree Gonzales; parents, Rumaldo and Magdalena Gonzales; in-laws, Juan Pablo (J.P.) and Eutimia Martinez; sister, Emma Gurule. Mr. Gonzales is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lucy Gonzales of Velarde; children, Leroy Gonzales and wife Lori of Velarde, Bobby Gonzales and wife Sylvia of Española, Ernest Gonzales and wife Debbie of Velarde and Connie Salazar and husband Loren of Hernandez; grandchildren, Dayna Sanchez and husband Michael of Española, Gabriel Gonzales, Jesse Gonzales and fiancée Marie, Pastor Kevin Gonzales, Ryan Gonzales of Española, Crystal Gonzales and fiancé Vince of Albuquerque, Jennifer Gonzales and fiancé Anthony of Colorado, Stephanie Gonzales and companion Virgil of Velarde, Joseph Salazar, Arren Salazar, Adrian Salazar of Hernandez; great-grandchildren, Michael Sanchez, Olivia Gonzales, Ryen and Alyssa Martinez, Joshua Rivera, Evan Vigil and Devon Salazar; brother, Jose “Florito” Gonzales and wife Jane of Dixon; sisters, Ruth Gurule of Dixon, Ermelina Gonzales and husband Nick of Dixon and Oralia Gonzales of Albuquerque; very close friend and compadre, William Martinez; brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law: Joe Martinez and wife Flora of Velarde, Rosie Mascarenas of Rio Rancho, Arthur Martinez and wife Darleen of Albuquerque, Horace Martinez and wife Gloria of Albuquerque, Lila Gallegos and husband Ben of Albuquerque; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Public visitation will begin on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lighthouse Church in Chimayo with a devotional service to be held at 7:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited on Friday, January 25, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at the Velarde Catholic Cemetery with his grandchildren serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers named are all his great-grandchildren. The family of Jose “Albert” Gonzales has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

---