GONZALES, Joe E.

The Arizona Daily Star, 23 Sept. 2009 Joe E. Gonzales Entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. He was born in Bowie, AZ, December 21, 1920 and raised in Superior, AZ. His parents were Frank P. and Louisa E. Gonzales, and his grandfather was Jose A. Gonzales, for whom Gonzales Pass, AZ is named. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Armando, Eleazar, and Alfonso. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Opal J. Gonzales nee Johnson, of Alabama; his son, Thomas L. (Francine) Gonzales, Esq.; his grandchildren, Daniel, Joseph and Joanna; his sisters, Mrs. Lydia Nunez and Mrs. Consuelo Sainz, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was inducted into the Superior H.S. Hall of Fame, received the University of Arizona Distinguished Alumni Public Service and Hispanic Alumni Achievement Awards, and a Doctorate (c.h.) from the University of the Americas. Joe served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as radio operator and brevet navigator in various bombers, served as ranking NCO at the Air Force communications school in Chicago, was assigned to the 369th fighter group, second tactical air division, and subsequent to hostilities served as special assistant to the commanding general, USJUSMAG in Spain, and as special assistant to the commanding general for plans and operations in the Pentagon. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant at Yale University, and retired a Lieutenant Colonel, USAF. After graduating from college, Joe served as a principal staff member to U.S. Senator Carl Hayden of Arizona, and for over 22 years was staff director for the appropriation bill funding the U.S. Treasury, the Post Office Department, the Executive Office of the President, the White House, and general government agencies. During Joe's extensive federal service he was manager of the U.S Department of Labor operations in Mexico for the agricultural workers (Bracero) program, and he later accompanied President John F. Kennedy to Mexico City, Mexico. He completed his federal career in Tucson as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Treasury for law enforcement, operations and tariff affairs, coordinating the efforts of multiple international, federal, state, and local agencies. During and after his federal career, Joe served on several local, national and international boards and commissions, including the Margaret Chase Smith Library Research Center in Maine, the William Woods University International Council in Missouri, and the University of the Americas Foundation. He was chairman and director of the Arizona AAA, served on the Pima County Sheriff's Aerosquadron, co-founded the U.S Senate Amateur Radio station along with U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, and co-founded the Congressional Flying Club and the Washington Civil Air Patrol Wing. Among many hobbies and interests, Joe was also an avid antique automobile enthusiast. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 25, 2009 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 N. Shannon Road. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009 10:30 a.m. at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Road with full military honors. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel (742-7901).