Benicio J Gonzales

With sorrow we announce the passing of Benicio J. Gonzales, who was called home on August 6, 2025. He was a lifetime resident of Gallina. Benicio was born on September 5, 1940, to Porfirio and Melecia Gonzales.

In heaven awaiting him are his parents, wife Bernadette Cordova Gonzales, son Levi Gonzales, brothers Bonifacio & Herman Gonzales, sister Eulalia Martinez, and several nephews and nieces. He is also preceded in death by multiple in-laws.

He leaves behind with broken hearts his daughter/caretaker Kathleen Martinez husband Javier, daughter Bernadette Ortiz husband David, and daughter Ramonsita Gonzales, Son Benicio Gonzales Jr, Brother JD Gonzales wife Stella, Sisters Martha Gonzales, Doris Martinez, Beatrice Corral husband Carlos, JoAnn Valdez husband Kevin, Sister-In-Law Rosa Gonzales, and numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and in-laws. He is also survived by special friends and neighbors; Isaac and Marissa Maestas, Bob and Debbie Bulcock.

Benicio lived a meaningful life of many hard-working years. He worked as a logger, school bus driver, dishwasher, and most of his joys came from working as a sheep herder for the Matson family in Utah.

Benicio’s presence will surely be missed by all who knew him. His memory and stories of his sheep herding days/adventures in life will live in our hearts forever.

Special thanks to all those who helped and supported the family during this difficult time as Benicio’s health was declining.

A public visitation will begin on August 15, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by a rosary at 10:30 am and a mass at 11:30 am all at the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Catholic Church in Gallina. Burial to follow at the Capulin Catholic Cemetery. A meal will be provided at the parish hall following the burial. 

Pallbearers will be David Ortiz, Leroy Gonzales, Michael Gonzales, Jason Martinez, Carlos Corral, Jody Gonzales and Gene Chacon.

The family of Benicio J. Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477