Andrew Gonzales

Andrew Joseph "Uncle Andy" Gonzales, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully last week after a brief hospital stay. He was 102 years old. A lifelong resident of New Mexico and a longtime resident of Albuquerque, Uncle Andy lived with deep faith, generosity, and a spirit of adventure that touched all who knew him.

Andy was born on April 6, 1923, in Dawson, New Mexico, to Andres Avelino Gonzales of Santa Fe and Piedad Trujillo Gonzales of Roy. He was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith on April 9, 1923, at St. Joseph's Church in Springer, New Mexico. His faith remained a guiding force throughout his life, and he was a devoted parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Albuquerque, where he faithfully attended Mass for many years.

Andy attended elementary school in Santa Fe, graduating in 1936, and went on to complete his high school education at St. Patrick Academy in Raton, New Mexico, where he graduated on May 26, 1940.

A proud World War II veteran, Andy enlisted in the United States Army on March 18, 1943. He served honorably as an Aircraft and Engineer Mechanic with the 211th AAF Base Unit until his honorable discharge on October 23, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, Andy was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for his service, and his unit was recognized with a Distinguished Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. While serving in the European Theater, Andy participated in several major campaigns, including Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe (Germany), Rhineland (Western Front), Normandy, and Northern France.

After returning home, Andy built a successful professional career as an accountant. He founded and operated his own practice, Thrifty Bookkeeping Service, where he provided accounting and tax services to a wide range of clients. Over the years, his reputation for honesty, accuracy, and personal care helped him build a large and loyal client base. He continued serving his community through his business until his retirement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Andy was the cornerstone of his extended family. As a father figure and family patriarch, he offered love, wisdom, and guidance to generations. He was like a grandfather to his nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces, and his lasting influence is reflected in the many nephews who carry his name, Andrew. Andy was a devoted caretaker to his mother, Piedad, and throughout his life he remained deeply engaged in the lives of his family members, caring about each of them individually and making them feel valued. He was always there to help in times of need and was a trusted mentor, supporter, and guide to both family and friends.

Following his career and role as a family patriarch, Andy lived a life rich in faith, friendship, and adventure. One of his greatest joys was the game of golf. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the University of New Mexico South Golf Course and loved sharing his knowledge of the game with his family, who fondly remember his patience and encouragement as a mentor.

Golf also fueled Andy's love of travel. He played in many Senior Golf Association tournaments, including the Hawaiian Open in 1976, and cherished the opportunity to make new friends on and off the course. His adventures took him across Europe and beyond: he played the legendary Turnberry Ailsa Links and St. Andrews in Scotland, as well as Royal Blackheath Golf Club in South London, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. He also visited Spain and Portugal, combining his love of the sport with his passion for exploring new cultures. One highlight closer to home was Pebble Beach in California, where he proudly recorded one of the best rounds of his life.

With close friends, Andy toured Scotland, Ireland, and London as part of an International Golf group, and he even embarked on a Royal Caribbean "golf cruise" aboard the Nordic Prince, visiting Barbados, Antigua, and St. Thomas while enjoying both the sport and the culture of each destination. For Andy, golf was more than a pastime; it was a way to connect with others, explore the world, and live each day with joy.

Andy will be remembered for his strong faith, devotion to family, and the many lives he touched with kindness, generosity, and a spirit of adventure.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Andres Avelino Gonzales and Piedad Trujillo Gonzales, as well as his siblings: Eliseo Gonzales, Eloisa Gonzales Howard Alarid Werner, Sara Gonzales Tapia, Jane (Juanita) Gonzales, Rudy Gonzales, and Alfonso Gonzasles . He is survived by many loving nieces, grand nieces, great-grand nices, nephews, grand nephews, great-grand newpews and cousins, who will always cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at French-LOMAS, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. A prayer service and remembrance gathering will begin at 12:00pm, and the family will receive guests a half hour before beginning at 11:30am. Burial will take place following at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87107.