Rudy E. Gonzales, 80
ALAMOSA — Long time community leader Rudy E. Gonzales, 80 of Alamosa, Colo. passed away Fri., Oct. 30, 2009 in Alamosa. Rudy was born June 1, 1929 in Las Tusas, N.M. Rudy was deeply devoted to family and his faith in St. Jude. He was a loving and caring husband and a great father and role model to his son.
Rudy is survived by his wife of 54 years Gloria C. Gonzales of Alamosa; one son Kelly Dwayne (Heidi) Gonzales of Ft. Collins; one brother Willie (Rose) Gonzales of Pueblo; two sisters Priscilla Duran of Pueblo West and Angie (Deacon Bill) Kollasch of Santa Fe, N.M.
Rudy was preceded in death by his parents Victor Gonzales and Manuelita Vigil Gonzales, one brother Victor Gonzales and one sister Alfega Gallegos.
A vigil service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Alamosa. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wed., Nov. 4, 2009 at 10 a.m.at Sacred Heart Church in Alamosa. Interment will follow at Alamosa Cemetery with full military honors. Viewing and visitation will be held today from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at Romero Funeral Home at Alamosa who is in care of the arrangements.
After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1954 he earned a bachelor of arts and master of arts degree at Adams State College. Rudy had a long history of community service having worked for more than 28 years for the Colorado Department of Employment and the Department of Education. Prior to that, he served as a high school counselor, teacher and social worker.
Rudy was known for his commitment and contribution for assisting Valley residents in finding jobs and beginning new careers. His life of working with and helping people spans 37 years.
Numerous community organizations Rudy participated in include the SLV Educational Center, Conejos-Costilla Community Action Program, the VFW, Guadalupe Parish Council, Phi Delta Kappa, Knights of Columbus, the Alamosa Chamber Development Corporation, Antonito Chamber of Commerce, Commander of the American Legion Post No. 148, District Officer of the American Legion District No. 9 and Secretary of the San Luis Valley Fireman’s Association. In lieu of flowers checks can be made to ASC Foundation (Adams State College 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa. CO. 81101) in memory of Rudy Gonzales.
