Albert Edward Gonzales

born on June 20, 1926 in Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Columbus Day, October 14, 2013 at the age of 87. His illness and his passing were rather sudden. He was golfing as recently as three weeks prior. He loved his golfing and gardening. His life work encompassed many and varied endeavors. These include his military service during WWII in the U.S. Navy, followed by boot camp with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was one of the service members on a troop ship headed to Japan and then diverted and possibly saved because of the atomic bombs that ended the war. After WWII he was in the U.S. Army Reserve and was re-activated during the Korean War. He served at that time at Ft. Bliss, TX. After the Korean conflict duty, he returned to Albuquerque and was the commanding officer of his reserve unit. Albert's primary civilian occupations included work with the U.S. Postal Service and eventually with the Internal Revenue Service. This led to his work under the Department of State's Alliance for Progress program instituted by President Kennedy. Albert was assigned to numerous tours of duty back and forth primarily between South and Central American countries and to Washington, D.C. In all, and over three decades, he worked as a tax and accounting advisor, consultant and teacher in twenty different countries and territories. When he finally retired from the U.S. Government, he came back to Albuquerque and opened his own tax and accounting practice as a CPA. Upon returning from the Navy, Albert married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Espinoza, at St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, NM, on May 24, 1947. They recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. Along with his wife, Marcia, Albert is survived by his son, Dr. Ricardo Gonzales of California; his daughter, Donna Eastin of Nevada; his son, Albert Gonzales, Jr.; and daughter, Maria Elena Casanova, both of Albuquerque. Maria Elena teaches at La Cueva High School. Albert was blessed with eight devoted grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. He was wished a loving farewell by his brother, Arthur Romero, and his sister, Sally Sanchez. Al is also remembered fondly by his golfing buddies who shared his happy times on the links. They were part of his three golf associations: Albuquerque Seniors, The Niners, and North East. A Memorial Rosary will be recited on Monday, October 21, 2013, 10:30 a.m. followed by celebration of the Memorial Mass, 11:00, both at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, Lomas and Tennessee. A Committal Service will follow 3:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors. Our Lady of the Assumption parish is where Albert nurtured his spiritual life. As he stated, he had a wonderful life. We celebrate his life, his faith and his strength of character. He was always a positive and caring role model for family and friends. He will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him well. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alberts honor to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School, 811 Guaymas Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.