Gilbert "Gibs" Manuel Gonzales

Gilbert Manuel Gonzales (Gibs), 74, went to be with our Lord on Monday, February 15 2021, after a long battle with a neurological condition. Gil was born in Las Vegas, NM on December 24, 1946 to Gilberto and Eliberta Gonzales. He attended Las Vegas Public Schools and graduated from Robertson HS in 1965. He attended New Mexico Highlands University on a football scholarship for one year prior to his nomination to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where he graduated in 1970. For several years he served as an instructor of Naval Science and Engineering at the Academy before leaving active service in 1977 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Gil would later earn his MBA from Georgetown University. Gil made his family home in Richmond, Virginia and then, after his children went off to college, in Reston, Virginia. He was incredibly outgoing and friendly, and enjoyed football tailgating, social dancing, as well as the arts. Gil was a prolific potter and frequent gift-giver. He loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing, boating and skiing. He loved his family very much. After his diagnosis, he decided to move back to New Mexico in 2018 to be closer to family and old friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Judith Marsella Gonzales; parents Gilberto and Eliberta Gonzales, in-laws John and Bernice Marsella, and brother Nash Gonzales. Gil is survived by his daughter Lindsay Gonzales of Madrid, Spain and son John Gonzales and wife Karen of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Gil is also survived by his sister Rachel Garcia (Max) of Las Vegas, NM and brothers Jake Gonzales (Susan) of Nambe, NM and David Sanchez of Las Vegas, NM. Nieces and nephews: Dolores Garcia of Phoenix, Arizona, Daniel Garcia (Joe) of Albuquerque, NM, Robert Gonzales (Carrie) of Nambe, NM, and Rebecca Sadlowsky (Daniel) of Houston, TX. It was Gilbert's wish to be cremated. Memorial services will happen at a later date to be announced.