Richard Gonzalez

Richard Alvarez Gonzalez, 84 of Clifton joined our Lord on January 3, 2010. He was born March 14, 1925 in Morenci, AZ to Petra Alvarez and Francisco Gonzalez. He attended Morenci High School until 1943 when he was drafted into the Army and served as a Corporal in World War II. After his discharge, he returned to Morenci where he worked for Phelps Dodge Corporation as a Certified Master Electrician at Morenci Water & Electric. On November 29, 1947, he married Cecilia Sandoval and settled in Clifton. Richard was a Boy Scout Master for over 25 years, a past Grand Knight and Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and a member of VFW and American Legion. He was a CCD teacher at Sacred Heart Church in Clifton, where he was also a Deacon for over 30 years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and bowling. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cecilia, his children Carolyn of Safford, Richard (Susan) of Las Cruces, NM, Anna (Frank) Berens of Safford, Susan (Jim) Mathis of Clifton, Geraldine "Gina" of Clifton, 23 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren, a sister, Numberta "Honey" Roman of Clifton, and his brother Juan Gonzalez of Mesa. He was preceded in death by his parents Francisco and Petra Gonzalez, his brothers Francisco, Thomas, Pasqual, Apolonio, and Manuel.