David Gonzales

David R. Gonzales
December 7, 1951 - December 22, 2021

David Rael Gonzales, age 70, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday evening, December 22, 2021. He was born on December 7, 1951, in Albuquerque, NM, and lived there until he graduated from UNM and soon after moved to Los Angeles, CA where he was employed as a Research Director for Paramount Studios and as a Casting Director for Universal Studios, and where he retired in 1999. After retiring he became a real-estate investor, life and health insurance broker, and also sold annuities and retirement plans. He was the youngest child of Elena and Rogerio Gonzales. His firm belief in placing God first in life and his devotion to his family ultimately supported him and gave him wisdom and peace.

David was a loving and godly man, and an educator at heart. He always made time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He enjoyed biblical conversations, and traveling to various countries with his wife, Sylvia.  He is greatly loved and will be extremely missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he went straight to heaven and met Jesus face to face.
David, is survived by his wife, Sylvia Garibay-Gonzales; his daughters, Christine and fiancé Ira Saunders, Susan and husband Paul Rojas; his 5 grandchildren Paul Victor Sanchez, Carlos Manuel Sanchez, Ava Joy Rojas, Khloe Grace Rojas and Aaron Thomas Fehrmann; and his beloved (Big Brother) as he would call him, Armenio and his favorite sister-in-law Melende Gonzales, his sister Pricilla and brother-in-law Joe Garcia, His in-laws: Chelo Garibay, Raul and Joella Garibay, Joe and Lorie Garibay, Connie Garibay and Ben Romero, Sandra Garcia, Paul and Alice Garibay, Saul and Joyce Garibay, Dan and Clara Garibay and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rogerio and Elena Gonzales in 2008 and by his son, Carlos Sanchez in 2007.
David’s Celebration of Life Service: Strong Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM.
Viewing at 11:30 am and Service beginning at 12 pm. Pastor Dave Evans of Colorado Springs, CO, will officiate the service. Pallbearers: Paul Rojas, Carlos Sanchez, Armenio Gonzales, Tony Gonzales, Bruce Garibay, Joshua Garibay, Amarante Tafoya, and Patrick Hatley.

David will be buried at Pierce Brothers Crest Lawn Cemetery in Riverside, CA, with a graveside service at 1:00pm on January 17, 2022. Daniel Garibay will officiate the service. Pallbearers: Paul Rojas, Paul Sanchez, Carlos Sanchez, Armenio Gonzales, Dale Beaver, Daniel Garibay, Dan Garibay, and Drew Lesperance. The family gratefully accepts: prayers, condolences and memories at www.garciamortuary.com
Garcia Mortuary
717 Stover Ave. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-243-5222