Gabriel Gonzales

Gabriel was born to Gabriel S. Gonzales and Juanita (Toledo) Gonzales on May 3rd, 1942 in Albuquerque, NM. Gabriel spent his childhood in Albuquerque, and graduated from local Sandia High School. He attended college at the University of New Mexico, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 1965. Gabe dedicated his early adulthood to educating and coaching youth athletics for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Gabe met and married the love of his life, JoAnn Silvers in Gallup, NM on March 20, 1980. Together they had one boy and two girls. They resided in Flagstaff, AZ, and then Collbran, CO, before settling down in Palisade, CO 23 years ago. Professionally, he was a teacher and Recreation Specialist at the Job Corps in Collbran before retirement in 1992. He attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Palisade.

Gabe had a talent for woodworking, and he enjoyed reading and singing. His sense of humor was highly contagious, and he will be remembered best for his natural story telling ability. Gabriel’s helpfulness and care toward others was evident through his love of being a teacher, coaching team sports--and most of all, for being a great husband and father. He is deeply missed.

Gabriel is survived by his wife, JoAnn Gonzales of Palisade, CO. His son Gabriel Gonzales of Los Angeles, CA; daughters and sons-in-law, LeeAnn & Michael Starrett of Palisade, CO; and Juanita & Jim Anderson of College Station, TX. His brother Frank Gonzales of Albuquerque, NM; sisters JoMary Lujan of Española, NM; Laura Fortenbury and Kay Lopez of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by grandson, Kobe Starrett. Gabriel is preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Gonzales.

A Rosary and Mass will be held by Father Jim Plough at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Palisade, CO on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 6pm. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.