Raul M Gonzalez (85) entered eternal rest on October 28, 2025, at his residence in Santa Clara NM, surrounded by his two loving daughters.
At the family's request, cremation will take place. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Santa Clara Catholic Church led by Deacon Bill Holguin. The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:45 am. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at the Hurley Cemetery. Officiating will be Father Casmir Anozie.
Raul spent his youth in Santa Rita, NM. He often shared stories of the good times he had with his family and friends in Santa Rita. The strong sense of community is something he fondly remembered throughout his life. Raul was a graduate of Cobre High and attended barber school in Tucson, AZ. Raul married his high school sweetheart Guadalupe Rodriguez (a.k.a Pita and Lupe) after attending Barber School. He had a short stint running a barber shop as a Master Barber in Santa Clara (formerly known as Central) before he transitioned to his job at Kennecott Copper Mines. Raul moonlighted as a barber for family and close friends for most of his adult life. This was often an excuse to get caught up with friends and loved ones. After leaving Santa Rita, Raul moved his family to Santa Clara where he lived for the rest of his life.
Raul worked in the smelter at Chino Mines for 30 years. Raul loved his job working in the smelter and earned a reputation of being the guy that never turned down a chance to work a double shift to earn extra money to provide for his family. His children fondly remember the envelopes of silver dollars and fifty cent pieces he would gift to them after working a "doblete". Raul spent a significant amount of time with his brother and best friend Willie Gonzalez. They spent weekends cutting wood, hunting, working on cars, and performing household projects at their respective homes and the home of their parents. Raul was also a very proud father and husband. He insisted that all three of his children earn a college degree so they could build a better life for themselves. Raul was a dedicated husband to his wife of 62 years, who he provided for, and cared for until the very end. He will be missed by his children, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. If he were here today, he would tell us all that he is now where he needs to be with his wife in the glory of God
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and six siblings. Raul is survived by his children Cecilia Gonzales (Steve), Sonia Gonzalez, and Paul Gonzalez (Christine); his cherished grandchildren Marcella, Gabriella (Nate), Ariella (David), Sienna, and Meg; and his adored great-granddaughter Evelyn. He is also survived by his brother Patricio Gonzalez.
Raul will be remembered for his quiet strength, and his unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled in those who knew and loved him.
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