Antonio Manuel Gonzales

Antonio “Tony” Gonzales passed away on July 30, 2026, at the age of 94, leaving behind nearly 95 years of memories, laughter, hard work, friendship, and, most importantly, love for his family.

Tony was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a place he proudly called home throughout his life. He was a proud United States Marine who served his country while stationed in Japan during the Korean War. His service was something he carried with great pride for the rest of his life.

In 1956, Tony began what would become a remarkable career with NAPA/Genuine Parts. He remained a loyal and dedicated member of the NAPA family for more than 40 years before retiring. To Tony, though, his work was about much more than auto parts. He genuinely loved his customers, coworkers, and the many friends he made along the way. If you knew Tony through NAPA, chances are you weren't just a customer for very long—you became a friend.

Tony loved people and enjoyed the simple things that made life good. He loved singing, gardening, spending time at the casino, fixing vehicles, visiting with friends, and being surrounded by the people he loved. He was the kind of man who enjoyed a good conversation and found happiness in the company of others.

Tony wasn't a man who needed to be in church every Sunday to understand what it meant to be a good person. He showed his goodness in the way he lived—in his kindness, his loyalty, his willingness to help others, his love for his family, and the friendships he carried with him throughout his life. His was a life measured not simply in years, but in the people he loved and the people who loved him in return.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Pollo and Ninfa; his beloved wife, Bernice Gonzales; his sister, Laura Marquez; his stepdaughter, Denise Romero; his daughter, Antonette Gonzales; and his nephews, Sonny and Donald Gutierrez.

He is survived by his daughters, Lenette Gonzales-Castillo and Gina Gonzales; his son, Greg Gonzales; his grandchildren, Melvin, Jimille, Tony, Karli, Denise, Kailynn and his nine great-grandchildren.

Tony shared a special and loving bond with his brother-in-law to Armando Marquez, a loving husband to his sister, Laura, a loving and proud uncle to his nieces, Tillie, Louise, Debbie, and Patricia, and his nephews, Randy and Armando Jr. He was blessed with an extraordinary extended family that included 21 great-nieces and great-nephews, 37 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, and 10 great-great-great-nieces and great-great-great-nephews.

For a man who loved being around people, perhaps there is no better way to honor Tony than for the people who loved him to gather together, share stories, laugh, remember the good times, and celebrate a life very well lived.

Tony will be deeply missed, but the stories, lessons, laughter, and love he gave us will remain. A kind man leaves behind more than memories—he leaves a little of his goodness in everyone whose life he touched.

Please join us in celebrating Tony's life on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Evangel Christian Church, at the corner of Jefferson and Montgomery. Lunch will be served following the celebration.

There will be no burial ceremony. Following cremation, Tony will be laid to rest beside his beloved sister, Laura, at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery, 2957 Arenal Rd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121.

Semper Fi, Tony. You served your country, you loved your family, you were a friend to many, and you lived a life that mattered. Until we meet again.