Brother Harry Gonzales BFCC, prominent educator, and spiritual leader, who was loved by many passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Mt San Rafael Hospital.
Born in Raton, New Mexico on November 27, 1951, to Alfonso and Martha Gonzales. He attended and graduated from Holy Trinity Catholic School. After graduation, he entered religious life and studied Humanities, Philosophy, and Theology at Trinidad State Junior College later going on to the College of Santa Fe and St Mark’s School of Theology earning a master’s degree. He professed his final vows with the Brothers 36 years ago. He worked with Holy Trinity Church for 20 years and he was currently serving as a Hospice Chaplain at Mt. Rose Health Center.
His passion for his religious life was such an asset to all who knew him or all that had the privilege of knowing him. He always won the hearts of ALL his students with his interesting stories, gentleness, warm smile, and his patient understanding. He loved the social gatherings at Marlene’s house, or wherever the family was going to gather for celebration. He was always so happy to be there with all of them and he enjoyed the yearly Christmas gift exchanges most of all spending time with his family was truly a memorable time for him.
His two favorite women next to his mom were Marlene Marquez and Kitsy Winter. After Marlene passed, a big piece of him went with her as well because he loved her like a sister. He attended school with Kitsy and their careers led them to develop a lifelong friendship with one another. Brother Harry and Kitsy, although not blood-related, were the true definition of a sibling relationship. Both Marlene and Kitsy always stood by his side no matter the situation. During Brother Harry’s final hours, Kitsy, Brother Steve, and the family were beside him. We can bet that Marlene and Martha were waiting patiently on the other side for him to transition over into his eternal life.
Brother Harry was preceded in death by his beloved parents Alfonso and Martha Gonzales, and his dog “Baby”. His special cousins, Marlene and Gene Marquez, and other family members.
He was survived by his best friend, Hito, and numerous family members.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 3 pm – 8 pm at Comi Funeral Home, and at Brother Harry’s request, only a graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 1 pm at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery, next to his beloved parents Martha and Alfonso Gonzales.
The pallbearers are TJ Duran, Charles Lopez, Patrick Marquez, Brendon Marquez, Ty Winter, and Mathew Vigil.
Honorary pallbearers are Kitsy Winter, Gabrielle Duran, Sheila Duran, Kimberly Lopez, Marco Terry, Brother Michael, Brother Steve, Brothers for the Christian Community, his numerous cousins, godchildren, students, and friends.
