GEORGE ABRÁN GONZÁLES

GEORGE ABRÁN GONZÁLES JANUARY 5, 1938 - MARCH 24, 2015 Former Santa Fe Mayor George Abran Gonzales, 77, was called home on March 24, 2015 after living an amazing life of service to his God, family and community. He was born in the City of Holy Faith, on January 5, 1938 in the Agua Fria neighborhood. At an early age, he showed true leadership skills and public speaking ability when he served as Senior Class President and earned the highest award at the State Spanish Elocution Competition. During this time, he was also being recognized for his talent in voice and music. George attended the College of Santa Fe, served in the Army National Guard, and then married his beautiful wife of 58 years, Celine Vigil. George was a pioneer of Spanish language radio in New Mexico. His professional broadcast career began in 1955 at Radio Station KTRC and lasted 60 years. His love for community, his desire to help others, and his belief that "Su Voto Es Su Voz" led him into a career in politics. He was elected and served two terms as Santa Fe County Commissioner, during which time an indigent fund was created to help those in tremendous need. At age 30, he was elected to serve as Mayor of the City of Santa Fe from 1968-1972- the youngest Mayor in the history of Santa Fe. George never lost his passion for Broadcasting and his desire to help his community, in 1991 he created his family-owned radio station KSWV-AM 810 "Que Suave" Radio. George is preceded in death by his beloved son, George "Anthony" Gonzales, parents, Porfiria and Alenjandro, and brothers, "Lupe" Delfino and Belarmino "Blackie" Gonzales. He is survived by his loving wife, Celine, his devoted sons, Patrick wife Karmella; Javier; Estevan wife Adi-Risa; and his brother Jose wife Mary Gonzales. George was also a dedicated Grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Anthony "Bubba", Joshua, Gianna, Miriah, Rico, Cisco, Cameron, Cadence, Adaiah, Asher, and Amarisa. He was also a dedicated father figure to Olivia Bacon and Georgia Gutierrez and a faithful brother-in-law to Tina, Scorrco, Art, John, and Johnny. The family is grateful for all the support and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the familiy requests donations be made to "Baby Abner Fund" at Guadalupe Credit Union in Santa Fe. Visitation will begin at 6pm and a rosary will be recited at 7pm on Thursday, March 26, at Cristo Rey Church. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be: Joshua, Rico, Cisco, Marco and Teddy Gonzales and Danny Marmion. Honorary pallbearers will be: Adaiah Gonzales, Asher Gonzales, Anthony Gonzales, III, Art Michael and the Caballeros de Devargas. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600 Please sign our guestbook for the family at: www.berardinellifuneralhome.com