It is with profound grief and sadness that we announce the death of Air Force Lt. Col. Don T. Gonzales, of Eliot, M.E. Don passed peacefully at Wentworth Douglass Hospital in the early hours of Dec. 12 after a brief illness. As with any life that was well and boldly lived, it's difficult to surmise the scope and impact that Don had on his family, friends and crews. He truly loved his life, and reveled in every moment of it. Don was born and raised in Albuquerque, N.M., which is where he first met the loves of his life; his wife, Julie, and airplanes. From the moment he saw his first plane, Don wanted to know everything there was to know about aviation, and he spent his early life in pursuit of flight. In his words, "it's incredible how a kid from the barrio could rise up and do the impossible, and learn how to fly and become an Air Force Command Pilot."

During his time in the Air Force, Don was a B-52 and FB-111A pilot, SAC Central Flight Instructor, Air Command Pilot, Squadron Officer and flew for his country during the Arc Light Missions during the Vietnam War. He was decorated with a National Defense Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air and Space Longevity Service Award, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commander Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit ribbon for his time as a command pilot. After his retirement from the Air Force, Don became a professor of aerodynamics and airport management at Franklin Pierce University, and received his commercial pilot license so he could continue flying.

His loved ones will remember him as a fierce family man, who put family above all else, and as a great man who inspired those he loved to live up to their fullest potential. They will also remember Don for his love of exercise, and as a man who never stopped moving. He loved flying with his children, playing tennis with his son, golfing, running and was an amateur boxer. He and his wife, Julie, were happily married for 62 years, and built their dream life together. Don was passionate about his local community, and served as the president of his local Lion's Club, as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Raphael's Church and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Don described himself as a wealthy man, because of the love he received and was able to give in return. In his final days, Don could still name the stall speed of any aircraft. He is survived by his four children Roxanne, her husband, Sandy, Donnie, Melissa, Michelle, and her husband, Alan, four of his brothers Jimmy, Johnny, Eddie and Norman, his 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and his chihuahua, Speedy. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Julie, his son Michael, his brothers Andy and Harvey, and his sisters Lilian, Emily and Karen.

In lieu of flowers, Don's memory can be honored through donations to Pets for Vets and your local Lion's Club.

Don's life will be celebrated with a Mass at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at St. Raphael's Church in Kittery, M.E. Don will be interred with full military honors at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19 at the New Hampshire State Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H. There will be a second celebration Mass of Don's life at a later date in Albuquerque, N.M. To leave online condolences please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . Care for the Gonzales family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.