Joe Elfego Gonzales

Beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Joe Elfego Gonzales, passed from this world, to be with our Lord after 93 years, on December 2, 2025, after a long and devoted life marked by love of family, friendship, faith, and service to his country. Born on April 18, 1932, to Sabino and Maria Gonzales in Glorieta, NM. He married Enriqueta “Queta” Chavez, and they enjoyed a loving marriage for 59 years before Queta’s passing in 2015.

A proud veteran, Joe served honorably in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss, where he met his beloved wife at a local dance —an activity he enjoyed throughout his life. After his honorable discharge in 1956, they were married that same year. The young couple moved to Los Angeles, California, where they both worked at Weslock until 1967, before building their life in Los Alamos, New Mexico where they raised their three children. Drawing on the experience he gained at Weslock, he would pursue his dream and become the first in his family to begin a career at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he worked as a machinist for 21 years. His steadfast dedication earned him a Shop Supervisor position and the respect of his colleagues and the admiration of all who knew him. 

In 1996 he and Queta then moved to Glorieta to be closer to his family. 

Joe felt a deep void after Queta’s passing from cancer, and with the encouragement of his two older brothers, he eventually began attending senior dances, where he met and enjoyed dancing with his friend, Monica. He looked forward to those dances, which brought joy and companionship back into his life.

Joe delighted in earlier family vacations, sharing stories from his youth, and trying his luck at the casino. He also had an appreciation for classic automobiles. Joe will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, and good spirit, no matter what life brought his way.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Enriqueta; his parents, Sabino and Maria Gonzales; his siblings Sam, Ernest, Cirilo, and Sr. Angelina; sisters-in-laws, Carmen and Cora; and brother-in-law, Jake Fresques; and son-in-law, Steve Fangio.

He is survived by his three children: Johnny Gonzales (Trish), Liz Fangio, and Cindy Zerr (Jim); his brothers, Alfonso (Rosemarie) and Gilbert (Lucille); his sisters, Stella Gonzales, Jessie Kowalski (Jim), and Gloria Fresques and sister-in-law Jean Gonzales; four granddaughters, eight grandsons; and three great-grandsons.

A Rosary will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos on January 9, 2026, at 9:00 am, followed by a Mass and Reception. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

May his legacy of love, faith and charity inspire us all.