Robert A Gonzales [Bob], 64, passed away on October 20th, 2021. Bob was born on July 22nd, 1957 in Trinidad, Colorado to Ulysses “Lee” and Virginia Gonzales.
Bob attended Trinidad public schools and was a graduate of Trinidad High School and Trinidad State Junior College. He then went on to pursue his higher education at Colorado State University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts. Bob supplemented his education by receiving a NISE STEM certification in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He continued to enhance his skill sets to ensure his students were provided a comprehensive education of technology, science, and real-world tasks attending summer certification programs at various colleges including Adams State College, CSU Fort Collins, and CSU Pueblo.
Bob was currently employed at Trinidad High School as the Woodshop Educator. Prior to coming back home to Trinidad, he was an educator at Aspen Middle School, Leadville High School, Los Alamos High School, and Holy Trinity Academy.
Bob is survived by his loving daughter Ashley Anne Gonzales [Jeremy, Jadyn, Alicia], beloved and adored granddaughter Madison, Lee Veltri. He is also survived by his sister(s) Diana Lee [Mark], Verlie, Susan [Nick], also Mike and Tammy Gagliardi, Ruben and Gay Gonzales and family; in addition, his dear friends Joe and Sarah Martinez including Gabe, Lauren [Scott] and his godson Mathew; Clifford, Yvonne, Wyatt and Chance Winning, Eli and Zakk DeBono and Brenda Schrepfer.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents Ulysses “Lee” and Virginia Gonzales.
All those who knew Bob growing up in Trinidad remember him lovingly with a huge smile as “Wimpy or Wimps.” He was given this nickname when he was a small child because he loved eating hamburgers and he was going to grow up and become a hamburger salesman. During his high school years, we all fondly remember Bob as the Jeep guy. He loved restoring and rebuilding Jeeps, bringing them back to like-new quality and performance. Bob could hardly hang on to them because everyone wanted to purchase what he restored. He loved riding his 4 wheelers, fishing, and camping with his granddaughter Madison Lee. There was never a dull moment with these two enjoying the outdoors, playing games, coloring, and watching Gunsmoke.
Bob’s passion was teaching and being an educator, caring for his students like family. His joy was seeing each student achieve their goals and master new skill sets, guiding them to prepare for their lifelong educational journey. He was an educator that loved his job of teaching and awakening every students’ creativity. He insisted that each one become the best that they can possibly be. He will be greatly missed by “all” of his students and fellow teachers. His life was well lived but cut too short and Mr.G will be missed.
On Thursday, October 28th at 10:00 am a Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Bob will then be interred into his final resting place with his loving father Ulysses “Lee” and mother Virginia at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers are all his friends and family, his students and faculty at Trinidad High School.
The family would like to thank the staff, nurses, and doctors at Mt San Rafael Hospital including the ER team, Dr. Joe Jimenez, Mandy Rivas, and “all” personnel in the clinic and hospital.
Arrangements made by Comi Funeral Home
