Antonio "Tony" A. Gonzales Sr., 80, a lifelong resident of Las Vegas passed away at his home Monday, November 25 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico on November 8, 1933 to the late Sofia Duran Gonzales and Rafael Gonzales Sr..
He attended West Las Vegas High School and participated in the basketball team. He later attended Immaculate Conception High School where he played basketball with the I. C. Colts and graduated with the Class of 1953. Right after graduation Tony enlisted in USAR and served 2 years in the Korean War and was later stationed in Naples, Italy since his four older brothers were already stationed in Korea. He attended Highlands University for 2 years and worked at the State Highway Department from April 1964 and retired May 31, 1994 as a Certified Technical Engineer.
He married Mary Priscilla Ortega on December 29, 1969 and was just a month shy of their 44th Anniversary. Tony enjoyed deer hunting with his brothers, nephews and friends. After his retirement he enjoyed fishing and most of all was an avid reader of New Mexico history.
He is preceded in death by his parents Rafael and Sofia Duran Gonzales, brothers Ralph, Frank, Roy and Leo J. V, sister-in-law Helen Ortega Salazar.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Priscilla, daughters Anna Marie (Mark), Rose Marie (Juan), Rita Marie (Darian), Maria Elena, Antonio A. Jr. and wife Brenda. Two grand-children Julianna Marie, Torrey Martin Jr., and "baby" Gonzales.
Rosary services will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 7:00pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 9:00am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with Father Anthony Akabogu as Celebrant. Burial of cremains will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign our online register book.
Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave, Las Vegas, NM. 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.