In the late evening of April 18, 2024, Miguel M. Gonzalez of Clifton, Arizona, entered into eternal rest in Tucson, Arizona while surrounded by family. Miguel was born on April 27, 1953, in Morenci AZ, to Miguel and Amelia Gonzalez and grew up in Old Morenci until his high school years, where he was proud to become a Clifton Trojan. Miguel graduated from Clifton High School in 1971 and then began working construction in Phoenix. In 1973, he started working in Morenci for Phelps Dodge and that year married his high school sweetheart, Diana Vozza. Miguel worked for Phelps Dodge as an Instrumentation Journeyman. In 1981, Miguel moved to Farmington, New Mexico with his wife and 3 sons where he started a new career at APS power plant.
Miguel was always proud of his strong work ethics that he learned as a young boy when he would make money delivering newspapers and milk to the neighborhood. He continued that strong work ethic throughout his career and retired from APS in 2013. After retirement, he still felt like he had more expertise to offer and began to work for PNM where he worked until 2020. Miguel was considered an expert in his trade and was valued by all those he worked with.
Miguel had a desire to seek adventure whenever he could. As a young man he was active in the art of karate. He then became an avid downhill skier where he and his family enjoyed many trips to Colorado to ski. He also found thrill in skydiving and completed about 20 freefall jumps and was proud to work his way to 10 second solo-freefalls. Miguel loved to ride his Harley Davidson through the mountains of Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona and he took every opportunity to ride with his 3 sons and brother, John. He made many trips on his Harley to Sturgis, South Dakota and made his longest trip to Tennessee with his wife and dog, Skooter. Miguel was a competitive golfer and played with a lot of passion to compete in the annual Gonzalez Family Reunion golf tournament and targeted the coveted “Miguel Gonzalez Sr. Memorial Trophy”, of which he earned the champion title many times.
Miguel will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was looked up to by many and was sought after for advice by many. His presence, humor and charm were always prominent in any setting.
Miguel was preceded in death by: his parents, Miguel and Amelia Gonzalez; Sister, Lydia Sanchez and Brother in-law, David Sanchez; his mother in-law and father in-law, Alfredo and Lucy Vozza.
Miguel is survived by: his wife, Diana and their sons, Damon (Gabi), Adam (Jill) and Jacob (Wendy); his brothers: Manuel (Carol), Victor (Margo), and John (Maria); his grandchildren: DJ, Brianna, Andrea, David (Lex), Ciara and Dominic; his great grandson, Travis.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Gonzalez will be conducted Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Committal will follow in the Safford Cemetery.
A Rosary and prayers will be offered Friday, May 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., also at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
