George Lee Gonzales

George Lee Gonzales, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at age 90.

He was born May 8, 1929, in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, and attended Santa Fe High School, graduating with the class of 1948.  He dedicated the next 21 years of his life to military service; serving 9 years in the Marines, followed by 12 years in the Air Force.  George was awarded a Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in the Korean War.  While serving in the military, he also married his beloved wife, Julia, and started a family of two sons and one daughter.  After retiring from the Air Force in 1969, as a Senior Master Sergeant, George and his family settled in Albuquerque. Starting a second career at Valley High School, he helped establish the Air Force JROTC program.  He was as dedicated to his new career, as he was to his country.  George served as educator, mentor and advisor; inspiring his students to achieve success and pursue further education.  After 22 years with Valley, “Sarge” Gonzales as he was so well known, retired in 1991.  During his golden years of retirement, he first and foremost, enjoyed and delighted in spending time with his family and friends. He was always the life of the party and made everyone feel special and important; making countless, long-lasting friendships throughout his lifetime. George also enjoyed dancing with his loving wife, fishing, golfing, gardening, and making ristras for the family.  Additionally, he was great at fixing things and making life easier for others.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Josephine. George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Julia; brother, Eloy (Stella); children, Edwin (Kenda), Javier (Laurene) and Sandra; grandchildren, Bryant (Elyse), Karlene (Nicolas), Bretton (Sarah); and great-granddaughters, Blake, Kora, Emrie and Hayden.  He will be sincerely missed by all who knew him.

Rosary will be recited Monday, January 13, 2020, 10:00 a.m. followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.  Reception will be held at the parish hall following the Mass.  The burial will be in Santa Fe at the National Cemetery, on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 10:45 a.m.  Procession to the cemetery will depart from FRENCH – Lomas.