Martin Gonzales

We are saddened to share that Martin (Marty) H Gonzales, 81, of Los Chavez, NM passed on June 14, 2026. He joins is beloved father (Jake C. Gonzales) and Mother (Mary Ong Gonzales) along with his loved pets at the Rainbow Bridge. 

He was born in August, 1944 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Albuquerque, NM and was the youngest of four boys; his brothers being: Jake, James and Joseph. 

Graduated from St. Mary's High School in Albuquerque in 1962. And later proudly received his Bachelor's Degree from College of Santa Fe. 

He retired from Sandia National Labs with 30+ years of service as a Principal Technologist. After retirement he went on to work for Merit Trucking, Galles Racing, Dale Blainey Racing (World of Outlaws) and Bosque Farms PD as an Evidence Tech. 

He Loved Life, his family and pets with all his heart. He believed in Character, Integrity and giving back to the community and was the Quintessential Volunteer, always experiencing everything he could in life. 

His volunteer work included: Coaching his sons' Little League teams, Officiating High School Football, Basketball and Baseball (his favorite). He also served two tours as a Reserve Police Officer with Albuquerque Police Department; Stage crew for the Alb. Civic Light Opera, Firefighter with Los Chavez FD and spent many summers in Chama working on the Cumbres and Toltec RR. He also served on the boards of Sandia Gun Club, Sandia Golf Association, Sprint Car Club and Belen Model RR club. 

He Loved building and remodeling especially his mini-sprint cars and full size sprint car as well as Quarter-scale train cars and numerous model railroad layouts. 

 He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary and his two sons and their families:  

Thomas (Annette) and Michael (Bernadette), Grandchildren: Estrella (Anthony) Chavez, Esteban (Ashley), Michael,Evan, Martina and Nicole, as well as ten Great-Grandchildren. 

His favorite motto was: 

LIFE is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, WOW what a Ride ! 

A private viewing and burial will be held at A La Puerta Natural Burial Ground in Valencia County. A rosary, memorial mass and reception is being planned at a later date.