Joe R. Gonzales

Joe R. Gonzales, 87, of Placitas, passed away on March 8, 2015. Joe was born on January 8, 1928 in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his daughter Jillian, his son-in-law Brian, his stepson Nolan, his step-daughter Jennifer and his sister Carmen. Joe was especially proud of his grandchildren Anamaria, Remedios and Tristen. Notably, Joe worked at the Dallas Public Library and the University of New Mexico. The friendships developed at these were dear to him. His passion for education and equality led him to help establish the multicultural library in the College of Education at UNM to address inadequacies in educational materials in Spanish and Native American languages. His experiences as a result of this work, and the wonderful people he met through this work, impacted his life greatly. He was honored to have spent almost three decades in the College of Education serving students, teachers, faculty and staff. He truly loved the library and the people. Joe enjoyed books and politics, having a particular interest in World War II. Delivering newspapers in San Antonio to military personnel during the war profoundly affected him, so much so that he made a trip with Jillian to England and France to visit memorial sites from this time. Joe avidly cheered for the Dallas Cowboys. While he enjoyed watching football with friends, Thanksgiving day was an excercise in time management so he could find a way to watch the game! In his later adulthood he committed his time to Sandia Preparatory School as a Board trustee and volunteer for girl's athletic events. He also served on the planning committee to build the first Placitas Community Library which stands today. More than anything, however, Joe loved to enjoy food and music with friends and family. He seemed always to have a rich circle of loving friends and family around him, making new friends easily everywhere he went. An evening service will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 5:00 PM at FRENCH - Wyoming. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Joe strongly believed in the value of education. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name are encouraged to organizations which provide educational opportunities to people who might not otherwise have access. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400