Samuel Don Gonzales

Samuel Gonzales

December 26, 2022

Samuel Gonzales, age 70 of Alcalde, NM passed away on December 26, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his parents Jose Celestino and Virginia S. Gonzales, Grandparents Jose Miguel and Teodorita Salazar and Rosalia Trujillo, Aunts and Uncles Salomon and Flora Salazar, Margarito and Cleo Lopez, Manuel and Angelina (Lucy) Garcia and Floyd Prando.

Sam was born on August 6, 1952, in San Francisco, CA.  He lived his formative years in El Guache, NM.  As a young adult he moved to Alcalde where he resided until his passing. 

He graduated from Espanola High School in 1970.  He was a long-time employee of LANL, retiring in 2010 after more than 30 years of service.  Sam was a fun-loving guy who loved to read, exercise, attend concerts and movies with his brothers.  He loved a good meal and especially enjoyed gathering with family for the holidays.

Sam was a man of faith.  He was a life-long Catholic and long-time parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Espanola.  Over the years he was an adorer in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, member of the Knights of Columbus, an acolyte and eucharistic minister.  He attended Mass daily until his health prevented him from doing so.  He was also a peligrino and participated in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Walk for Vocations for over ten years.  Additionally, he volunteered at the San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen, a ministry that was dear to his heart.

He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend.  He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his brothers Robert of Alcalde, Harold of San Francisco, CA, and Celestino of Santa Fe. Sisters Dolores and husband Deacon Chris Gilbert of El Guache, Niece and God-daughter Victoria (Pete) of La Villita, nephew Rudolfo of Alcalde and great niece Ariana of La Villita.

Rosary will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel at the DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM.  Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Espanola, NM, with Interment to follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

The family of Samuel Gonzales has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com  505.747.7477