Johnny Lucio Gonzales passed away April 27, 2024, after a courageous battle against cancer. He was born in Morenci on April 11, 1956, to Jose and Francis (Lucio) Gonzales.
He is preceded in death by: his parents, Jose and Francis; brothers, Joe Jr and Robert. He is survived by: his two sisters, Mary and Sylvia; brother, Antonio; his beloved daughter, Jonika; and two granddaughters, Markianah and Majestic.
Foremost the family would like to publicly thank Jonika and Robert Baker (nephew), for the care and comfort they provided John in his month-long journey on the road to eternal rest.
John grew up in a Clifton of days gone by, when kids rode their bikes all over town, played baseball in empty lots, hiking, fishing, and went swimming on hot summer days at the Clifton pool or the San Fran River. There was always something to do or somewhere to go. John graduated from Clifton High in 1974. He played basketball for the Trojans in his four years at CHS. After high school he went to work for Phelps Dodge, as did so many other young graduates. Several years later he felt he needed a change. He and several of his close friends went to St. Johns, Arizona, where SRP (Salt River Project) was opening a new coal generating station. He got the job and spent the next 41 years working for SRP. He retired in 2019.
He loved the high country, the cold winters, the snow, and the mild summers. He and his friends would spend countless hours chopping and cutting wood for the cold winter months. He would always say, “Nothing like a warm fire on a cold night,” and yes, with a cold beer in hand. He was an avid sports fan. He loved watching and following his favorite pro and college teams. A die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan, like no other. John had a real passion for grilling. He loved outdoor cooking for a few friends or a large family gathering. May would say there was no one better. He would grill anything and everything. He would grill year-round despite the weather. He once cooked steaks and burgers in the middle of a snowstorm, for an upcoming football playoff game. In the many years that followed, there were many Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations, birthdays, family gatherings and special events that John would be a big part of. His life was well lived, filled with happiness, joy and the love of family and friends. His memory will long live in the hearts and minds of all the lives he touched.
A public gathering for Johnny will take place Monday, May 6, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Vining Funeral Home’s “Chapel of the Valley”.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
