Albert Daniel Gonzales, 82, passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2026. He was born at the old St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, NM on July 5, 1944.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Ophelia and Ramon Gonzales; and his siblings Ramon, Cecilia, Vincente, Marcela, and Viola.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Berenice Gill; daughter Renee Espat; son Kenneth Gonzales and wife Alyssa and son Eric Gonzales; grandchildren Alora Montano, Michaela Gonzales, Rebecca Espat, Ray Gonzales, Madison Gonzales and Robert Espat; along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was patriarch to many friends and family at Saint Michael’s and All Angels of Albuquerque, the TnT gym, the NASA powerlifting organization, and UNM Lobos Club.

In 1962 he graduated class valedictorian from the Christian Brothers St. Michael’s High School of Santa Fe. After years of working and raising a family, in 1980 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Albert began his engineering career with the Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation at the Grand Coulee Dam in Grand Coulee, WA. He worked there from 1980 to 1993 and then returned to Albuquerque, NM in July of 1993 to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at Laguna Pueblo as an irrigation engineer assisting/designing/planning irrigation and stormwater management to enhance water supplies and conservation efforts. He later transferred to the 12 Southern Pueblos Agency until retirement in 2006. Since 1992 he competed in international powerlifting and won several first-place awards in ADFPA, AAU, and NASA competitions, all drug-free athletic organizations. He was a master lifter until his health held him back in 2024. During these lifting years he survived two open heart surgeries and more. In his last competition, he won the 2024 Men's Master's 5 Power Sports Athlete of the Year.

Albert and his wife are avid fans of UNM Women's LOBO Basketball, and are season ticket holders, as well as season ticket holders for the Mountain West Conference Basketball Tournaments.

His engineering talents contributed to his ability to create and build beautiful wind chimes, solar light extravaganzas, and much more. He was a true "Mr. Fix It"! As such he was instrumental in working with his church, St. Michael's and All Angels, with the "Fix It Cafe" program. His motto "that's what I do, I fix stuff, and I know things!"

A man of great faith, he was committed to St. Michaels, participating in the Vestry, newcomer orientation, and hospitality groups.

Albert's love of animals was well known. He and his wife cared for many furry babies over the years. He often stated he would prefer to be laid to rest with his sweet fur babies who meant so much to him. As such he is survived by his loving Belgian Malinois, Reina, who laid by his side as he passed on.

Albert was greatly respected, appreciated and loved by many. His wit and humor, smile, candid and practical manner will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace, our dear Albert!

The family will hold a celebration of life at St. Michael's and All Angels, Albuquerque, NM. Details will follow as the family finalizes arrangements.