Ernest M. Gonzales

Age 80, a life-long resident of Albuquerque died after a long illness on Sunday, January 4, 2015 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Veronica Gonzales; three children, Michael Gonzales, Barbara Fuller and husband John, and Dorothy Garcia and husband Ted; grandchildren, Adam, Theresa, David, Dominique, Benjamin, Daniel, Ted Jr., and Michael; great-grandchildren, Victoria Rose, Anthony, and Angelo; sister, Inez Gonzales; and numerous other relatives and friends. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Andres and Francisca Madrid Gonzales; son, Ernest Martin Gonzales; and sister, Vidala Griego. He was born in 1934 in Albuquerque and graduated from Albuquerque High School. He married the love of his life, Veronica Gallegos in 1954. Ernest had family ties to New Mexico that date back to the Spanish Colonial Period through the Mexican Territorial Period, American Territorial Period and US Statehood. He is a descendant of New Mexico's first European Families which include Captain Juan Gonzales Bas, the first Alcalde mayor of Albuquerque. Ernest was educated as a bookkeeper but worked in sales, working for Galles Chevrolet and retiring from Quality Pontiac. He loved to play the guitar, teaching three of his grandsons how to do the same. Ernest was a born again Christian and played in the church choir at San Ignacio Church. He loved animals, especially his four chihuahuas. Ernest was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Friends may visit on Thursday, January 8, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. till a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming. A Christian Burial Mass will be held at San Ignacio Church, 1300 Walter St. NE on Friday, January 9, 2015, 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Adam Fuller, Ben Fuller, Daniel Fuller, Michael Fuller, Ted Garcia, Jr., and Jessie Herrera.