Eloy Gonzales

Eloy Jose Gonzales, age 74, passed away peacefully with his son by his side on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, joining his wife, Melinda Gonzales in heaven. Eloy was born on October 10, 1947 in Nambe, NM to Jose and Eliza Gonzales. He graduated from Pojoaque High School in 1966.  After graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country from 1966 to 1968. In 1976, Eloy married Melinda, the love of his life. They had four children Joel, Angelo, Joey, Marcy, 6 grandchildren, one great-grandson and two great-grandchildren on the way.

Eloy was a member of the JC’s, American Legion Post 17, Honor Guard, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Northern New Mexico Chapter 996. He was also the Chapter President of the Disabled American Veterans. Eloy was always joking around making people laugh. He had the most contagious laugh that you could hear from far. Eloy loved his family very much and adored his grandchildren.

Eloy was preceded in death by his wife Melinda Gonzales; his parents Jose Gonzales and Eliza Gonzales; in-laws Carlos (Sally) Martinez and Geraldine Arrebalos; sons, Angelo and Joel Gonzales; siblings George Gonzales and Linda Maestas; brothers-in-law Bennie Maestas, George Herrera, Johnny Martinez Sr., Cecilio Martinez Sr., Adam Martinez Sr. and Albert Ortiz. Eloy is survived by his son, Joey and daughter-in-law Trisha Gonzales, grandchildren Arianna (Andres), Devina (Jeremiah), and Joshua Gonzales, great-grandchildren Giovanni and Salem Sotelo; his daughter, Marcy (Adam) Garcia and granddaughters Alex Quintana, Anjelica, and Anika Garcia; brother Anthony (Kathy) Gonzales; sisters Kathy Herrera and Jeanette (Jonathon) Garcia; brothers-in-law Dennis (Mary Jane) Martinez and Waldo (Lisa) Martinez; sisters-in-law Carla Leivas, Julia Ortiz, and Mary (Frank) Cordova.

Services to honor Eloy will be held at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. A rosary will take place on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 11:00 am at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada Catholic Church. Gravesite services will take place on Tuesday, May 17,2022 at 1:30pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be his grandson Joshua Gonzales, godsons; Jonathon Garcia, Mario Martinez, Adrian Martinez, and nephew Cecilio Martinez and George Herrera. Honorary pallbearers will be his goddaughter, Alice Herrera, godsons; Warren Maestas, Faveion Martinez, Terry Garduno and all his nieces and nephews. The family of Eloy Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477