Saturnino "Nino" Gonzalez

Saturnino (Nino) F. Gonzalez, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 3, 2021, entering the hands of his Lord and Savior. Nino was born in El Paso, Texas, on November 29, 1926. Nino, throughout all his life, was a hard-working man. He worked in several farming and other manual labor jobs until he was given the opportunity to become an automotive radiator repair apprentice. That is where he found his passion and was given the opportunity to become the owner of Southwestern Radiator Shop, which was in business for over 50 years. Nino always showed his dedication and commitment that always went unwavering. Nino met the love of his life, Carmen B. Gonzalez, during early elementary and middle-school years. At the age of 18, they married and had just celebrated their 75th anniversary on June 24, 2020. Nino never failed to provide for his family. He was a true working man. He always showed an immense amount of gratitude towards those who gave him opportunities, especially George Heckler. He offered him the opportunity to become a radiator apprentice, and eventually transferred the business to him. During the later years of the business, his wife Carmen, helped him with the business. His sons, Enrique and Nino, Jr., would help during the summer months. His son, Nino, Jr., would eventually handle all the financial and accounting tasks of the business. He and Carmen would love to dance, especially the Jitterbug. They would amaze spectators with all the fast twirls and turns. They both loved the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Harry James & His Orchestra. Once retired, he loved spending time with his family, and being outside working on gardening and home repair projects. He always enjoyed telling his tales of the past; he never failed to amaze when he spoke of everything he had done. He could fix anything, and we learned many handyman lessons from him. As life continued, Nino’s favorite form of entertainment was spending time with his beloved wife, Carmen. They would spend numerous hours at Sunland Park Casino and Speaking Rock Casino. We always had the joke that it was their second home. The blaring sound of slot machines and the flashing lights was an atmosphere that brought them true joy. They also enjoyed going out to eat, including Red Lobster and Good Luck Cafe. Saturnino is preceded in death by his wife Carmen B. Gonzalez and his daughter, Dolores (Lali) Boudreaux. He is survived by his sons; Saturnino (Nino) Gonzalez, Jr (Patricia) and Enrique Gonzalez (Maria), grandchildren; Leo Gonzalez, Christie G. Slater (Mike), Lisa G. Smith (Mike), Alicia G. Pevahouse (Matt), Nina Isturis, and Chloe Pina, and great-grandchildren; Elayna Whitley, Ethan Gonzalez, Adam Slater, Sienna Nicole Pevahouse, and Faye Elizabeth Smith. He is also survived by his sisters Rosa Regalado and Catalina Rincon. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a Rosary at 10:00 AM and a Scripture Service at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 14, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Homes - East, 750 N. Carolina. Interment will follow at 12:00 PM at Evergreen East Cemetery, 12400 Montana.