Fernando Gonzales

In Loving Memory of

Fernando “Joe” Gonzales

September 29, 1937 – November 22, 2025

Fernando Gonzales, lovingly known as Joe, age 88, passed away on November 22, 2025, in Bernalillo, New Mexico. He was born on September 29, 1937, in Chula Vista, California, to Gorgonio and Clotilde Gonzales.

Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years. On November 20, 1958, he married the love of his life, Daniela “Nellie” Gonzales, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together they shared 67 beautiful years of marriage.

A hardworking and skilled craftsman, Joe spent more than 30 years working in Auto Body Repair. His hands could fix anything, and he took pride in putting things back together—whether it was a car, a project, or simply a moment shared with family.

Joe enjoyed listening to Spanish music and oldies, playing darts, fishing, kayaking, watching old westerns and war movies, dancing, and spending time with his family. His joy was simple, honest, and rooted in the people he loved. He was a faithful member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Daniela “Nellie” Gonzales, and his daughter, Annette Shippley.

• He is survived by his loving children:
• • Laura Duran and her husband Sonny Duran of Rio Rancho, NM
• • Bonnie Lucero and her husband Mike Lucero of Bernalillo, NM
• • Debora Hoover and her husband Tim Hoover of Albuquerque, NM
• • Danny Baker of Ocean Beach, CA
• • Daniela Flores of Cottonwood, AZ
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Joe’s legacy continues through his grandchildren: Andrea Carvalho and her husband Manny Carvalho, Michael Lucero and his husband Troy Parker, Phillip Lucero and his wife Angelique Lucero, and Amanda Duran; as well as his great-grandchildren Anthony Flores, Sophia Flores, Santiago Chavez, Demian Chavez, Xavier Torres, Diego Briones, Alexis Lucero, Elena Orozco, and Phillip Lucero Jr.

“Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall. Living here without you is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us—your heart was kind and true. And when we needed someone, we could always count on you. The special years will not return, when we were all together, but with the love in our hearts, you walk with us forever.”

Joe will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.