Ralph M. Gonzales
April 10, 1941 ~ September 25, 2025
Born in:
Greeley , Colorado
Resided in:
Denver, Colorado
Ralph M. Gonzales
Born April 10, 1941 Greeley, CO
Died September 25, 2025 Lakewood, CO
Ralph joined the US Marine Corps July 4, 1959, as a Draftsman, then later transferred to the US Army to serve as a Military Policeman during the Vietnam War. After completing his time in the Army, Ralph returned home to Colorado and joined the Denver Police Department, where he served the community for 30 years. He will be remembered and missed dearly by his family and his friends.
Fort Logan National Cemetery is back to being open for entry into the cemetery. The North gate at the northern part of S.Sheridan Blvd.and W. Kenyon Ave. is now open. Please use this NORTH GATE for entry. We will stage, at STAGING AREA “B” no later than 1:15Pm for the 1:30PM inurnment rites for Ralph.
Services
Memorial Service: October 7, 2025 11:30 am
St. Paul's Community Church
8001 West 23rd Avenue
Lakewood, Colorado 80214
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America/Denver
2025-10-07 11:30:00
2025-10-07 11:30:00
RalphM.GonzalesMemorial Service
Memorial Service
8001 West 23rd Avenue,Lakewood, Colorado 80214
Inurnment: October 7, 2025 1:30 pm
Ft. Logan National Cemetery
3698 S. Sheridan Blvd.,
Denver, Colorado 80236
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America/Denver
2025-10-07 13:30:00
2025-10-07 13:30:00
RalphM.GonzalesInurnment
Inurnment
3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., ,Denver, Colorado 80236
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I worked with Ralph at Denver Police District Four back in the 80s. He was a solid cop, a stand-up guy, and a good man, all the way around. I was saddened to hear of Ralph’s passing…may he rest in eternal peace. Farewell, old friend.
Thank you for everything Ralph! Love you buddy. Rest.
Ralph was a great friend of my husband, Eddie Quintana! They worked together in Denver for many years and did some work in the San Luis Valley. Together they were quite the team. Eddie will be happy to welcome you so you can create more memories, he is ahead of you by 7 years on October 14! You will both be enjoying the fall colors
Good man, great cop with a raw sense of humor!!!!
I witnessed how Ralph’s cheerful attitude and caring personality had a great influence on young boys when he and I coached PAL football together in the 70’s. Several players continued to have contact with Ralph in later years, seeking his wisdom and advice. I’m sure he had the same influence on the people he helped during his long career. God’s Speed Ralph!
I had the honor of working with Ralph on DPD. He was a great cop and great person…he’ll be missed by all as he now sits among the angels. My condolences to the family. RIP, brother.
VIC FREBURG
Ralph was truly a great officer and a gentleman. I first met him as a young police cadet in 1975 and he was alwatys so kind, respectful and encouraging. He always called me “Kimmy and took the tme to support young women who wanted to grow into good and respectful officers. He was fun to work with and taught me a lot about police work. He was my friend. One of the good guys. Ralph will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
I did not know Ralph that well while working on the job. I got to know Ralph at funerals. Every funeral I attended you could always count on Ralph being there. I could see that Ralph really cared about others. While I so badly want to attend Ralph’s service, unfortunately there is another funeral that same day that I have to attend. R.I.P. Ralph, you were an honorable man.
I served with Ralph Gonzales during his years with the Denver Police Department. Most of us who were around back then didn’t just know him as Ralph—we called him “Kojack,” after Telly Savalas from the TV show in the eighties. And that name stuck, because it fit him.
Ralph had a presence about him. He was calm, steady, and carried himself with a kind of quiet toughness. You always knew where you stood with him—no drama, no nonsense. Just a good man doing his job.
I also got to spend some time with Ralph outside of work in the department’s intramural boxing program. That’s where you really saw his character. In the ring, he was competitive and tough, but also fair and respectful. He liked the camaraderie just as much as the competition. He enjoyed being part of the group, pushing himself, and having some laughs with the rest of us.
Ralph wasn’t flashy, and he didn’t need to be. He had a big heart, and people respected him because of the way he treated others. To many of us, he’ll always be “Kojack”—a solid cop, a good teammate, and a man you could count on.
He will be missed, but he’ll be remembered by the stories, the laughs, and the example he left behind.
God Bless, Ralph.
I worked with Ralph several times at the DPD. He was always very kind and friendly. I have not seen Ralph often in recent times–mostly at funerals, but we always greeted one another and talked a bit. He was always loyal to honoring fellow officers who passed. I valued your friendship Ralph and how nice you always were to me. Rest in peace.
Ldm6932@hotmail.com How well said, the comments of others relating to Ralph. We were in the academy together. My wife & i visited him in the hospital 2 days before he passed.
Ralph was my car partner in District Three, and we worked undercover with Detectives Reed & Turner. Ralph was an excellent policeman and friend. He was the godfather to my daughter, Michelle, and he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
–Jerry Lueck
Ralph was a great guy and a great police officer!! Rest in Peace…”Kojak!!!!”
George Makolondra
I was one of those PAL football players and baseball players that Ralph coached and that Jerry Snow help coach as well. In fact, Jerry had to come pick me up one morning for a football game as a side note. Ralph coached a number of my friends and myself in football baseball and CYO basketball. He was a great influence as he introduced me to the wonderful world of the Denver Police Department. I actually went on a ride along with him one morning in about 1979 and we got in a nice police chase on Hampden Avenue. Ralph was always a loyal and caring father like figure to me through my ears and I was also fortunate enough to see him a couple days before he passed so God bless you, Ralph you’ll be missed.
Ralph Gonzales was the epitome of a Police Officer. In 1979, he was a Field Training Officer in District 3 police station. Ralph was a no-nonsense F.T.O. and demanded his recruits be their best. Ralph and I shared the same last name and he would refer to me as his son. I was honored. Ralph was an honorable Man and Mentor to those that served the D.P.D. He would vote his vacation during the Christmas season and donate his time to the Christmas Crusade For Children, working late into nighttime hours. I was honored to have served the citizens of Denver with Officer Ralph Gonzales, 69-29. If one were fortunate to know Ralph, you had a friend for life. Bev and I Love You Brother, Rest In Peace. Thank You for Your Service!
RIP good Friend, I worked with Ralph in District Three, He was good Guy!
Sincerely,
Fran Sandoval
Ralph was my dad’s (Edward Brooks) DPD training officer. He was more than a friend, he was family. He was present in every part of our lives. We love him dearly and he will be greatly missed.
It’s been a long journey Ralph—I still remember your mom taking me in and teaching me to eat Green Chili with a tort! I still do —-Running around in school and doing things we shouldn’t have—I won’t tell—Glad you called me a few weeks ago and we got to talk–
Rest in peace Buddy—
JT