Arthur O. Gonzales

Born February 9, 1926 to Victor and Emilia Ortiz Gonzales in Las Vegas, NM passed away peacefully April 19, 2014 after a short illness at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife MaryAnn; and his brother Max. He is survived by his brothers, Gilbert, wife Marlene; Victor Jr., wife Jane; and sister-in-law Emilie Gonzales and nine nephews and nieces. Arthur attended school in Las Vegas, NM. After graduating high school he volunteered for service with the U.S. Navy in 1944 where he served with the 25th Navy Construction Battalion in Guam. He was honorably discharged June 1946. He returned home and enrolled at Highlands University in Las Vegas where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950 and later a Masters Degree. Moving to Albuquerque in 1950, he started his teaching career with the Albuquerque Public School System where he taught school for over 30 years. He met his future wife, MaryAnn Ramos at East San Jose Elementary School where they were both teachers. They were married in June 1967 and traveled extensively during their summer vacations. A major part of his life was the guitar. He was an accomplished classical and flamenco guitarist. He was a member of the Albuquerque Classical Guitar Society which was active during the 1960's and 1970's. He had many guitar aficionado friends. They played together often for their own entertainment. He owned several quality guitars including a flamenco guitar which he bought in Spain. After he retired from teaching he sold all his guitars except one... .a Pimentel, which he continued to play. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Community Church, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers please mak e a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, alz.org. His cremains will be placed next to his wife at a later date at a private family ceremony. Our thanks to the staff of the Village at Alameda, AmberCare, and FootPrints for the special and loving care they provided Arthur during his stay at the Village.