Manuel Gonzales

Manuel Gonzales, 94, peacefully passed away at home on May 20, 2013, while surrounded by family and his beloved Hermanos of La Nuestra Señora de Dolores Morada. A lifelong resident of Vadito, Manuel was born on October 24, 1918, to Rubel and Evangelina Gonzales. He married his wife, Esther Martinez, on September 22, 1945, and they were blessed to be the parents of fourteen wonderful children.

As a child, Manuel enjoyed sports and helping his father around the farm. As an adult, he worked alongside his brothers in a family owned business known as Gonzales Brothers Construction. He retired in 1982 and dedicated his time and energy to numerous other hobbies and interests. Throughout his life, Manuel was a devout Catholic and an active Hermano in La Nuestra Señora de Dolores Morada. In his remaining years, he enjoyed playing the violin, reading the Bible and New Mexico Magazine, carving, and furniture making. Notably, he was known for being a local historian and a great story-teller. Deeply committed to his culture, he organized and led the Matachines Dance at the annual Gonzales Family Reunion. He also enjoyed spending time with his neighbors at the Picuris Pueblo celebrating their feast day and other religious ceremonies.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents Rubel and Evangelina Gonzales, his wife Esther Gonzales, infant daughter Mary Gonzales, son Lorenzo Gonzales, grand-daughter Donna Marie Pacheco, brother Clodoveo Romero, infant brothers Norberto and Olivero Gonzales, infant sister Solonica Gonzales, and sons-in-law John Shibley and Samuel Lopez.

He is survived by his sons: Charles (Rupert) Gonzales, Ramon (Ivy) Gonzales, Manuel (Christine) Gonzales, Ben (Tweet) Gonzales, and Tomas (Aracely) Gonzales; daughters: Judy (David) Cruz, Viola (Carlos) Pacheco; Evangelina (Remigio) Torres, Inez Gonzales, Grace (Darren) Mascareñas, Elizabeth (Ronnie) Mascareñas, and Stephanie (Mark) Gonzales; 38 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; brothers: Gabriel (Adelaida) Gonzales, Juan (Lupe) Gonzales, Robert (+Alice) Gonzales, Adonais (Alice) Gonzales; sister: Claudina Gonzales; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Rosary was recited on May 24, 2013. Funeral mass was held on May 25, 2013. Both were held at Nuestra Senora de Dolores Church in Vadito.


The Gonzales Family wishes to thank the staff members of Ambercare, Father Simeon Wimmershoff, and the numerous Hermanos who spent time with our beloved Father during his final days. We also wish to thank everyone else who has extended their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.